By: Elvin T. Oliveros

Elvin T. Oliveros — Tue, 11 May 2010 07:47:29 +0000

The computerization of our election inspite to the glitches, protests, fears that it was logistically impossible to implement it due to a very tight schedule, in my observation, our Election 2010, overall, I will rate it from a scale of 1-10 – I’ll say “9″. It was a laudable undertaking to stop the rampant cheating of the old system & I admire the resiliency & patient of the teachers who acted as BEI for COMELEC & volunteers of PPCRV. But I have an observation on the procedures which COMELEC have instructed the BEIs, the teachers who manned the precinct–on the identification & verification of each individual registrant voters. It was time consuming & tedious, the delay have caused disenfranchisement of voters, who for some can not withstand the long lines under the heat of the sun & left without exercising their right to vote. When the precinct started at 7:00AM, I took note of the number of registrant voters who were able to vote on a first come – first serve basis. After I got my priority number (345), I inquired what was the number being served, it was 61 and I timed it at 10:00AM & I decided to leave to make use of the time to take my lunch & rest for awhile and I estimated to return at around 2:00PM which I hope by this time my number will be called. To my dismay, I found that the BEI was serving No. 120, so from 10:00AM to 2:00PM, that is 4 hours have passed, the BEI have served 60 registrant voters only & with 4 hrs. left as the precinct will close at 6:00PM how can they served with the remaining 1,000+ registrant voters all waiting for their turns which I thought was impossible even when COMELEC announced to extend the time to vote to 7:00PM (a 1 hr. extension) which is still impossible. I’ve to report the matter to the City COMELEC Registrar Office & they already have received call of complaint of our precinct (0534A – Bongbongon Elem. School, Kauswagan). They have to change the procedures & allowed voters to vote as soon as the seats were vacant & so the lines started to move and when my number was called I was able to cast my votes but how many voters before who were not able to vote because of the tedious & delay procedure on the identification & verification instructed by COMELEC for the BEIs to follow. I hope come next election this procedures will be corrected or adjusted so the BEIs can facilitate the make the casting of the votes fast. It is understandable that this automation of the election 2010 was first in the history of Philippine election, let’s not repeat this come next election & let this be a learning experience to improve so we will have a fast, accurate & credible election for a better future for the next generation of Filipinos.

By: AZZAM ABDULMALIK

AZZAM ABDULMALIK — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:45:59 +0000

Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao – Highly commendable performance of AFP especially 6th ID headed by MGen. Alcantara and Col Carreon, Task Force Hope headed by Gen. Bernardo, 29IB headed by LtCol Arebalo, 45IB headed by LtCol Ponio, and all operating units in Maguindanao for maintaining a very peaceful, orderly and possibly credible elections.

Comments on: Disenfranchised Voters

By: Elvin T. Oliveros

By: AZZAM ABDULMALIK