Umaasa ang isang grupo sa pagkakaroon ng “mas transparent na automated elections” sa pagkakadiskwalipika ng Smartmatic — bagay na posibleng makapagpanumbalik daw sa tiwala ng publiko sa proseso ng halalan.
Miyerkules nang ianunsyo ni Comelec chairperson George Garcia ang pagkakadiskalipika ng technology provider mula sa kanilang procurement process matapos makwestyon sa isang petisyon ang kanilang integridad.
“This move is seen as a chance to not only to address the public’s concern on the efficiency of the vote counting machines. Technical glitches have always marred the conduct of automated elections,” wika ni Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo, Huwebes.
“This shift is viewed as crucial to restoring public confidence in the integrity of election results, particularly after past instances of technical issues, alleged vote tampering, and mishandling of election paraphernalia.”
Biyernes pa nang i-promulgate ng Comelec en banc ang 17-pahinang resolusyon matapos lumabas ang balitang “sinuhulan” ng Smartmatic si dating Comelec chairperson Andres Bautista para ma-awardan ng kontrata para sa election machines.
Hunyo pa nang hilingin ng mga petitioners sa Comelec na i-rebyu ang qualifications ng Smartmatic para mag-bid sa 2025 AES dahil sa diumano’y iregularidad sa 2022 national elections.
Taong 2010 pa nang maging poll technology provider ng Pilipinas ang Smartmatic simula nang magkaroon ng full automation ng general general elections.
Walang iregularidad?
Bagama’t naninindigan ang Comelec na walang iregularidad sa 2022 national elections, minarapat na raw nilang maagap na magdesisyon para “mapanatili ang tiwala ng publiko sa ating mga demokratikong proseso.
Panawagan tuloy ngayon ng Digital Pinoys, dapat maghanap ang Comelec ng updated at transparent provider habang hinihikayat magbigay ng technologically advanced solutions na mas hihigit pa sa ibinigay ng Smartmatic.
“The call is not merely for a replacement but for a provider that can offer superior vote counting machines, reducing the technical problems that have marred previous automated elections,” sabi pa ni Gustilo.
“The goal is to enhance the efficiency of vote counting machines and minimize the occurrence of technical difficulties on election day. By addressing these issues head-on, the electoral body can not only advance the integrity of the electoral process but also respond to the skepticism that has emerged in the aftermath of technical glitches and controversies surrounding previous automated elections.”
Dismayado sa desisyon
Nagpahayag naman ng kanilang “profound disappointment” ang Smartmatic sa desisyon ng Comelec na i-disqualify sila para sa bidding ng 2025 election technology.
“In its 23-year history, no Smartmatic company has ever been indicted in the United States or any other country in connection with any election or election-relatec contract,” wika ng kumpanya, bagay na madali raw maberipika sa US Department of Justice.
“We urge Comelec officials to conduct this search independently, and to show to the public any indictment against Smartmatic. We are confident there is no such indicted in the United States.”
Dagdag pa nila, nakapag-ambag daw sila nang husto sa nakaraang 15 taon pagdating sa technology services sa Comelec, habang sumusunod diumano sa procurement processes sa panahon ng bidding at contract execution.
Wika pa nila, malaki raw ang kanilang naging papel sa pag-e-establish ng Pilipinas bilang “global model” para sa integridad ng halalan.
