Smartmatic lauds 2016 elections for being the fastest ever in PHL history

The service provider in the last automated elections lauded the conduct of recent polls for being the fastest ever in Philippine history.

Smartmatic Philippines General Manager Elie Moreno noted that Davao City Mayor and incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, and Camarines Sur Congresswoman and incoming Vice President Leni Robredo were both proclaimed on Monday, just 21 days after the May 9 elections and within three days of canvassing.

Moreno said it took 30 days or a full month to proclaim President Benigno Aquino III after the elections in 2010.

“The success of the May 9 elections doesn’t stop at the speedy electronic count and the high voter turnout, among other positive outcomes. We also saw the fastest canvassing of votes for national positions, which were performed and finished within days," said Moreno in a statement.

Moreno added that the proclamation of senators was likewise done at record speed, with all 12 senators being proclaimed on May 19, or just 10 days after the May 9 elections.

With 84 percent of all results already transmitted a few hours after the polls closed, winners at the local level were declared on election night or the following day. The public already knew who the winning candidates were for the national posts within 24 hours after the polls had closed, the Smartmatic executive said.

Senate President Franklin Drilon had already lauded the Commission on Elections and Smartmatic for the speedy electronic count and canvassing, calling it "a job well done."

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III had likewise commended the two for the "record-breaking"speed of the transmission and canvassing of votes.

The last elections saw the largest turnout since 1986 with 81 percent of the registered voters or over 44 million Filipinos casting their votes.

Observers have noted the immediate effects of the speedy and accurate results of the polls, namely the easing of electoral tensions, the steep decline of election-related violence, all of which contributed to the robust trading in the Philippine Stock Exchange and the impressive rally of the Philippine currency. —Mark Merueñas/NB, GMA News