COMELEC’s
PCOS-OMR System Rejects Public Counting,
Enhances Wholesale Cheating
-
Comelec is ill-equipped to manage complexities of OMR technology;
- Who
controls the technology controls the votes – and power
A
Policy Critique
By
the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG)
May
07, 2009
The
Precinct Count Optical Scan-Optical Mark Reader (PCOS-OMR) technology
chosen by the Comelec goes against the basic democratic principle
of “secret voting and public counting.” This is because
the OMR system makes the counting, canvassing and consolidation
of election results hidden from public eye and, hence, lacks any
transparency as the Constitution and RA 9369 require. The proclamation
of winners will be done in 2-3 days making it extremely impossible
for file any election protest which is expected to be widespread
– and poll watching almost futile.
Moreover,
the Comelec appears to be unprepared and ill-equipped to manage
the complexities and uncertainties posed by the automated election
system. The OMR technology will most likely lead to wholesale electronic
cheating that will, in turn, lead to a possible failure of election
with serious political repercussions.
There
are alternative technologies that can ensure an open, transparent,
credible, and participatory elections as mandated under RA 9369.
It is unfortunate, however, that the poll body has shut all doors
against further dialogues and debates on the viability of its choice
of technology system.
On
the other hand, the Comelec has taken no strong measures and safeguards
toward reducing if not completely dismantling the powerful cheating
machineries in the country. In such a situation, the use of modern
technology will not deter – and may even enhance – automated
cheating.
Center
for People Empowerment in Governance
May
07, 2009
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