Namfrel seeks Comelec accreditation

The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Election (Namfrel) has filed a petition for accreditation with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) so it can do a quick count in the coming May national elections.

Once the petition is approved, the Namfrel will then conduct "Operation Quick Count," that will give the public an insight on the trend of election results.

Under the setup, Namfrel will be given a copy of the election returns of the national and local polls, enabling it to count the votes.

Namfrel secretary general Damaso Magbual has already directed its 12 regional directors to go to the field and meet with 81 other provincial chairmen and 1,608 city and municipal heads and other members about their petition.

Namfrel has been involved in election monitoring for decades now.

The group said more than 500,000 volunteers have offered their "time, energy and even their lives to preserve the sanctity of the ballots."

Namfrel added that once the Comelec grants their petition, it would complement poll-watching efforts by ensuring the effectivity or reliability of the indelible ink used to mark voters.

The group will see to it that the Board of Election inspectors at the precinct level will assist voters properly apply the indelible ink.

Namfrel will also ensure that the Comelec will allow Namfrel volunteers access to the precincts to guarantee that indelible ink was properly applied by the voters. — Sheila Crisostomo