Smooth Pilot Testing of Automated Voting in Cavite, Says NAMFREL

In Cavite, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) reported on Monday that the pilot testing of automated voting at Dasmariñas Elementary School has encountered “no issues” so far.

According to Philippines News Agency, the minor confusion among the electoral boards (EBs) concerning the start time of voting did not impact the timely commencement of the process.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is using this pilot test to prepare for the upcoming 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Two test areas are in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, and one is in Quezon City. If successful, the automated system will be implemented nationwide in 2025, Comelec has said.

In Quezon City, the pilot test faced minor glitches, such as power interruptions and paper jams in vote counting machines,

According to Philippines News Agency, She added that a total of 133 secure digital (SD) cards, including 72 in Pasong Tampo, were used for the automated voting test in select areas. Despite these hitches, Bañaga noted that the automated system was more efficient and faster, eliminating the need for human interpretation of handwritten ballots.

In its initial observations, NAMFREL reported the 2023 BSKE to be “generally peaceful, orderly” with high voter turnout, especially among senior citizens. The watchdog observed that regular voters outnumbered Sanguniang Kabataan voters across multiple centers. In some areas, such as Nueva Valencia in Guimaras, turnout was low due to weather conditions, while others like Zamboanga City had voters opting to vote later in the day.

Security was a concern in some areas. For instance, in Al-Barka, Basilan, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel provided security at polling stations. Meanwhile, in Cotabato City, approximately 15 percent of EBs resigned the day before the election, citing security concerns. They were replaced by Philippine National Police personnel. Additionally, NAMFREL observers were not allowed to enter Kimpo Elementary School in Cotabato City to observe the elections.

NAMFREL stated it is still in the process of verifying other incidents reported in the media that appear to be election-related and will provide updates once verified. Voting concluded at 3 p.m., with counting and canvassing of votes to begin shortly after.