A technical issue with a vote-counting machine forced the early replacement of one unit in Mangaldan, Pangasinan just days before the elections.

The machine assigned to a polling precinct at Bantayan Integrated School failed to pass the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS), prompting the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to send a replacement.

“Hindi kasi nagma-match ‘yung hash code sa configuration ng ACM kaya kailangan palitan ang ACM,” Gloria Cadiente, election officer of COMELEC-Mangaldan, said.

Aside from the faulty Automated Counting Machine (ACM), the final testing also did not push through in four other precincts due to unreadable USBs, either the main or backup.

COMELEC assured that testing would resume once the new USBs arrive from their technical hub.

COMELEC and local authorities are monitoring the preparations closely in all 84 voting centers in the town, which has 69,571 registered voters.

Electoral board chair Patrick Quinto said FTS are important before the day of the elections.

“’Yun ang purpose talaga na makita natin kung okey ang mga ACM,” he said.

The COMELEC reminded the public that the FTS is a vital step to ensure the integrity and readiness of vote-counting equipment ahead of the May 12 polls.