By Mario Casayuran
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday expressed alarm and disappointment over reports that some 400 to 600 vote-counting machines (VCMs) malfunctioned and had to be replaced in this year's mid-term elections.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)
This is said to be three times more than those replaced in 2016.
This resulted in the disenfranchisement of a still undetermined number of voters and the severe inconvenience of many citizens in different parts of the country,’’ Hontiveros said.
In the interest of transparency and the credibility of the elections, Hontiveros called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to fully explain the reasons behind these malfunctions and disclose the number of voters disenfranchised as a result of this setback.
‘’This is our fourth automated elections. Mishaps like this, especially those that deprive our people of the right to suffrage, are unacceptable,’’ she added.