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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Namfrel notes smooth, peaceful conduct of mock polls

Namfrel notes smooth, peaceful conduct of mock polls

Published Dec 29, 2021 03:44 pm

The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said Wednesday's mock polls conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was generally smooth and peaceful.

Voting in Tenement Elementary School in Taguig (Photo courtesy Namfrel)

"Namfrel observers reported that in general, the conduct of the mock elections has been smooth and peaceful so far, with polling precincts opening on time, and with no significant delay in the start of voting in most voting centers observed," the group said in their initial report.

"Observers also note that the activity appears well-organized in general, and anti-Covid protocols are generally being enforced and followed," added Namfrel.

The poll watchdog group said the Comelec has been transparent in the conduct of the activity, with election monitoring organizations, political parties, civic organizations, and the media being allowed to observe the processes closely.

Here are some of the preliminary observations of the group:

During the opening process prior to voting, Namfrel said their observers reported some delay in the initialization process for the vote counting machines (VCMs) citing a voting center in Digos, Davao del Sur.

Namfrel said in a voting center in Pateros, the VCM rejected ballots several times.

Namfrel observers also reported that the voting process has been smooth, with voters taking between 5 to 10 minutes to vote, and up to 30 minutes for senior citizens.

It also noted that the enforcement of certain health protocols has not been consistent, namely physical distancing, proper wearing of masks, disinfection of hands, and disinfection of election materials like pens and chairs after every use.

In a polling place in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, Namfrel volunteers observed that several ballots were rejected by the VCM, and the members of the Electoral Board (EB) had to cut the sides of the ballot due to paper jam.

In a polling place in Taguig, crowding has been observed around the VCM while voters insert their ballots, lack of vote secrecy was also observed in the vote casting process as the ballots were not covered while being inserted into the VCM, allowing the people around to see the votes.

Namfrel said it will send Comelec a more comprehensive report with recommendations after it has gathered all observations from the field.

The Comelec conducted the mock polls in Metro Manila and several provinces.

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Comelec Namfrel Commission on Elections (Comelec) mock polls
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