NAMFREL wants reforms for more efficient, transparent automated polls

The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) on Monday suggested reforms to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to improve the efficiency and transparency of the automated polls.

In a press conference, NAMFREL secretary general Eric Alvia noted that the country experienced problems during the conduct of automated elections involving efficiency and transparency in the previous elections.

“We gave our proposals and recommendations to the Comelec last June and we were also able to submit our proposal to the Comelec advisory council,” he said.

The proposals, which were also forwarded to Congress, aim to enhance the automated elections system (AES) based on technical standards.

Among the recommendations were:

• use of open source election software for the AES
• use of the election mark-up language only throughout the  AES process
• listing down candidates on ballots, not alphabetically by surname, but chronologically based  on unique numbers assigned to each candidate
• printing of QR codes on both the election returns and the voter verifiable paper  audit trail (VVPAT) or the receipt,
• correct implementation of the digital signature

The group said these recommendations will make the AES more competitive, less costly, and more transparent. They would also prevent delays and glitches.

According to NAMFREL, the proposals do not need additional legislation to be implemented and that the Comelec could  adopt and use them for the 2022 national and local elections.

NAMFREL also eyes deploying observers across the country to monitor the conduct of the 2022 polls.

Recently, NAMFREL launched website Vote For Us (www.VoteForUs.org.ph) to assist Filipinos in registration for the elections and make them participate in the entire electoral process.

The website can also give election-related information to voters, according to NAMFREL. —KBK, GMA News