There is a need to revisit the procurement system of the Commission on Elections’ computerization program.
Monday’s election revealed problematic machines purchased out of several suppliers which derailed the elections in some areas. The numbers, as admitted by no less than Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, is jarring. Some 400 to 600 VCMs had to be replaced as of Monday afternoon and the number was three times bigger than that in the 2016 elections. which was 188.
Jimenez said: “In the overall scheme of things, that is a small number but compared to 2016, the figure is jarring.”
That said, there has to be something done before we proceed to the next elections. Six years ago, the Comelec decided to “unbundle” the automated election system. ThusSince the 2013 elections, the poll body has been bidding out to different companies the supply of components such as ballot paper, ink, and SD card. By departing from the “bundled” system in 2010, the Comelec is dealing with several suppliers. The problem with different brands is the “compatibility” issues between components.
It’s like putting up a fleet of cars with different brands. When problems arise, the components are incompatible. These are machines and essentially, their artificial intelligence is limited to those which they technically speak to in a similar language. When machines of different brands are made to work in a linked network, that is where you can pretty much expect there would be some issues somewhere.
While the problem though is technical in nature and should not affect the integrity of votes, it is causing inconvenience and unnecessary delays in the electoral process.
