Comelec to test 4 suppliers’ mobile app voting system

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seriously looking into activating a mobile app voting system in the May 2022 elections, with four suppliers ready to showcase their computer program’s capability.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, who is pushing for these new modes of casting votes in the national and local elections, over the weekend said it pays to see what new technologies in the market can offer.

“Four suppliers of mobile app voting program/system offered to conduct a test run for the Comelec,” Guanzon posted on Twitter.

She declined to provide other details on the proposed system, saying it is still premature, but assured the public of transparency when this mobile app enabling Filipinos to vote electronically is tested.

Guanzon said poll watchdog groups such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), and Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente) will be invited to the testing.

“PPCRV, Namfrel and Lente will be invited to observe and criticize (the system),” she said.

Guanzon also urged the public to air their views on the possibility of having a mobile app for voting through her e-mail address: [email protected].

The commissioner had previously expressed optimism that the Comelec will approve of a new system of voting which will benefit the marginalized sector.

The target of mobile app voting are persons with disability (PWDs) and those deprived of liberties or prisoners, senior citizens, indigenous people and pregnant women.

But Guanzon stressed the need for a law providing for the adoption of such voting system. “If successful, we will ask Congress to pass a law,” Guanzon added. 

Republic Act No. 10590 allows the Comelec to explore other more efficient, reliable and secure modes or systems of casting votes.

But the law requires the Comelec to ensure the secrecy and sanctity of the election process, whether it be paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology.