‘2016 automated polls far better than 2010, 2013’

MANILA, Philippines - The National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has commended the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for holding the best elections since the country’s polls were automated in 2010. 

“Namfrel believes that on the whole, this election has been managed far better than the past two automated elections held in 2010 and 2013. Further, the electorate seems to have more confidence in the election system this year compared to the past,” the poll watchdog said.

Namfrel chairman David Balangue made an assessment of the May 9 general elections based on the pre-election, election day and post-election day reports of its nationwide chapters.

“While there are still some problem areas to look into and to correct, these do not detract from the generally perceived credible and orderly conduct of the May 9 elections,” the report said.

“The most commendable aspect of this election is the highest voter turnout rate ever of 81 percent for local and 31 percent for overseas voters (versus 76 percent and 17 percent in 2013 respectively),” Namfrel said.

It noted Comelec was able to proclaim all of the winning senators and party-list groups at the same time as top contenders for president conceded within a few days after elections.

Namfrel also lauded Comelec for introducing improvements like the higher rate and quicker transmission of election results which peaked at 96 percent as of May 12, or three days after the elections.

Namfrel also noted the lower incidence of election-related violence than in previous elections due to close coordination of the poll body with the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Others are improved performance of the vote counting machine with less incidents of ballot rejection, shorter downtime due to malfunction and insignificant number of reports of discrepancy between the voter receipts and actual votes cast.

Namfrel also noted the better and more responsive voters’ information and education initiatives like the holding of the three presidential and one vice-presidential debates initiated by Comelec in partnership with media.

Namfrel also lauded the Comelec on its initiatives to educate the public on the procedure of voting and the location of polling precincts on election day.

The group added the earlier legal challenges that confronted the poll body, particularly the printing of voter receipts and the qualification of one presidential candidate, did not diminish public confidence in the Comelec.

“These are but manifestations of a functioning democracy with appropriate checks and balances. Of course there remain lingering and overarching election issues that should be addressed but these will need time, legislative action or more focus for the Comelec, such as political dynasties, uncontested posts, weak political parties, resolution of protest cases, etc.,” Namfrel said.

Namfrel has asked Comelec to strictly enforce rules and regulations related to campaign finance as the prohibition against vote buying is the “most violated rule so far.”