Statement - Automated election fraught with delays, malfunctions

CEBU, Philippines - Contrary to claims, the maiden automated polls in the province in Negros Oriental was one marked with delays and machine breakdowns in what was previously touted as near perfect transmissions to assigned central machines exposing the risks, vulnerabilities and unpreparedness of the agencies tasked with the job.

Canvassing in Bayawan and Tanjay cities were delayed due to technical glitches that hounded most canvass centers since the start of the elections.

In Tanjay City, the CF cards were irreparably damaged. The designated Smartmatic-TIM technical staff was helpless in identifying the cause of the malfunction and delayed the procedures until the canvassing was closed to wait for a replacement of the CF card from Manila.

The canvassing in Bayawan City also suffered the same fate. The Malabugas, Bayawan transmission was hampered with the collapse of the CF cards that has to be substituted with a new one from the Smartmatic warehouse in Cabuyao, Laguna. Thus the overall send out of votes to the province was especially tardy.

The risks associated with delaying the transmitting process is vulnerable in the sense that this is where fraud could take place even more so if the electoral agencies relax on their duties.

Failed CCS machines expose the gripping mistake of back up shortages.CCS machines and CF cards have to be flown in from Manila to replace those that have conked out. Civilian vigilance keeps military abuse at bay but conked out when security implements are required in cases where CF cards are manually transported.

Fr. Roberto Caday

Task Force Poll Watch

MAKABAYAN