The automation of counting of ballots at the precinct level on the May 10 national elections
is hounded by a lot of controversy of malfunction and other issues. The latest and
embarassing mistake made by COMELEC and Smartmatic involved a relatively simple
program issue: single space vs. double space. It is something that is easily tested and fixed
before they came out to the public. However, it is also possible to be an honest human
error and nothing more. The machine just follows whatever instruction it is given and an
erroneous instruction would lead to erroneous results. But this error is already fixed and
should not be used a basis for calling the coming elections a failure.
In the last several weeks, so much misunderstanding, either due to lack of information or
misinformation that has confused all of us and has created a cloud of doubt on the capability
of COMELEC to succeed in the coming elections. Auza.Net has compiled 10 Myths About
the May 10 Elections. This serves as a guide to all voters and hopefully everyone can vote
according to their concience and free will rather than be influenced otherwise because of
some of these myths.
1. We can’t verify the results of the counting and therefore it is easier to
cheat in this election. — Of course we can. The ballots will not be destroyed after
counting. In the worst case scenario, we can always do a manual count. But let’s
do an automated count first because the machines are definitely faster and more
accurate and consistent than humans. And we can repeat the counting as many times
as needed if we have to. We just need to be vigilant that the counts are real and this
can be verified by the random manual count audit. COMELEC is going to be capable
of publishing results much quicker than in previous elections so it is easier to verify
results because we can immediately see the counts right after close of election time.
2. The candidates will know who voted or did not vote for them. — This is not
possible unless you show your ballot to them or the COMELEC will give them copies of
the ballots, the ballot number assigned to you and your name. So what if they know
whom you voted for? It is your right to vote whoever is your choice.
3. If the PCOS machines fail, there will be failure of elections. — Not true. This
is a doomsday scenario possible only if the Filipino people are not able to count. The
ballots are still there. That’s what the election is all about. If the PCOS machines
can’t count the results, the BEI can count them.
4. Transmission of the results to COMELEC central database is easily to disrupt.
— Not true. With good signal from mobile service providers in most areas in the
Philippines, there should be no issue in transmitting most of the results. In areas
where mobile service is not available, COMELEC can use satellite service or they can
bring the PCOS machines to areas with signal so it can transmit the data after the
official tally has been printed and accepted by the BEI and other authorized parties.
Also, the amount of data transmitted is very small so the opportunity to disrupt
transmission is very short plus you can retransmit as many times as needed.
5. All processes of the election will be automated. Not true. Only the counting of
the ballots at the precinct level is automated. The rest of the process of aggregating
the results still goes through the manual process. Only this time, the manual process
of aggregation is assisted by the availability of the results data in electronic form.
6. Current survey results must match the election results. Not true. The survey
results reflect only the sentiment of the sample population at the time of the survey.
And it is possible that the sample for the survey happens to be biased. Surveys have
been proven wrong many times before. The real survey is the election itself.
7. On election day, it is easy to reprogram the PCOS machine to favor a local
or national candidate. Not true. Once the machines are tested and sealed, it
will be close to impossible to change the program. Even if the PCOS machines are
programmed to cheat before sealing, this can be detected by the random manual
audit. It is important for organizations like NAMFREL, PPCRV and others to make
sure that the random selection of the precincts for manual audit is truly random and
is selected only during election day. They also need to make sure that all precincts
are eligible to be selected. COMELEC Resolution 8837 covers the selection process.
If this is done as stated in the resolution, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to cover
up any cheating.
8. The failure rate of the PCOS machines in Hongkong is 10%. PCOS machines
will have problems dealing with humid conditions in the Philippines. Not
true. The failure rate of the PCOS machine in Hongkong as reported by some groups
is exaggerated. Their calculation was only based on the initial failure and not on the
fact that the machine worked after it was allowed dry up because of moisture build
up. That is also the reason why there are backup PCOS machines and technicians to
ensure that any failing machine can be fixed or replaced. Any electronic equipment
stored in an airconditioned room with low temperature and then brought out to a
humid environment may have moisture build up as the water in the air condenses on
the equipment. The user simply has to allow the moisture to evaporate again and the
equipment to stabilize to room temperature. Once the equipment is turned on, the
heat from the electronics will prevent any further moisture build up. We have been
using computers in this country for decades without much problems due to moisture.
9. Manual count is better than machine count. Not true. Machines would have
lesser error assuming it is not intentionally programmed to count otherwise. The
PCOS machine would be faster, repeatable and cheaper in terms of labor cost. There
is much lesser opportunity to implement dagdag-bawas. Let’s give COMELEC a
chance to implement an election process with automation on the counting. Even with
the glitch in the first attempt to test and seal the machines, there’s no reason to panic
yet, especially now that the glitch was solved and replacement compact flash cards
have been shipped and most should arrive before May 10.
10. If I don’t get elected , there will be people power. This is a myth. People power
is not an automatic response by the Filipino people. It is only needed in extreme
circumstances like that in 1986. Any candidate who says something like this are not
fit to hold public office because it is the Filipino people who will elect a candidate and
the candidates should bow to the will of the people. The Filipino people have the
right to choose their leader and candidates should not threaten the voters with people
power if they don’t get elected. Refer to #6.