Comelec oks mobile voting application test

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given the go signal for the testing of mobile voting application that may be used in future elections.

“The Comelec En Banc has approved a test run of mobile app voting to see if it is useful for overseas voting, etc,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon posted on Twitter.

Guanzon said the Comelec is also looking into the possibility of adopting the mobile application for the use of vulnerable sectors, such as persons with disability, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

Mobile voting app testing, Guanzon said will be undertaken as part of the Comelec’s mandate to improve the country’s election system.

“We, in Comelec, have the duty to choose the means and method of elections but will ensure integrity of the process and program,” Guanzon said.

Republic Act No. 10590 allows the Comelec to explore other more efficient, reliable and secure modes or systems of casting votes.

But the law requires the Comelec to ensure the secrecy and sanctity of the election process, whether it be paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology.

Guanzon previously reported that four suppliers have offered to test run a mobile voting app for free.

The four companies that offered their services to Comelec are Indra Sistemas, Voatz, Smartmatic International, and Scytl.

Following the approval of the test run, Guanzon renewed calls for all stakeholders to observe the test run and send in their comments on the proposed system of voting.

Among those invited were watchdog groups, such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, and Legal Network for Truthful Elections.

“I am going to look for devil’s advocates during consultations. Tell us the pitfalls to expect and avoid,” Guanzon said. Philippine Star News Service, KQD (FREEMAN)