BARMM polls’ VCMs undergoing checks

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to test this weekend the vote counting machines (VCMs) it will use for the 14 September Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said in a radio interview that the poll body will conduct the final testing and sealing (FTS) of the VCMs on 12 September in all 5,212 poll precincts in the BARMM.

“We will test all the machines to make sure they are working properly and counting accurately,” Garcia said.

In doing so, Garcia said it will be determined whether any VCMs need to be fixed or replaced, and whether there are hidden programs or instructions.

“It would be difficult if the tests were done on the day of the election,” he pointed out.

Garcia said political parties and candidates, their respective watchers, citizens’ arms, and civil society organizations will witness the testing.

The chairman explained that the Comelec decided to proceed with the testing after having completed, last 8 September, the distribution of the equipment and paraphernalia, including the VCMs and ballots, that will be used for the BARMM polls.