TECH4GOOD
Technology has profoundly reshaped the electoral landscape in the Philippines. It has impacted everything from voter registration and campaigning to vote counting and result dissemination, enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of elections. Many consider the Philippines to be one of the more advanced countries in terms of the use of technology for elections. This evolution has brought numerous benefits, but it also presents unique challenges that must be addressed to ensure the integrity and fairness of the democratic process.
The use of technology to address the slow vote-counting process began in earnest with the implementation of the first automated elections in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in 2008. This marked a significant milestone as many considered it the first relatively fraud-free election in over 50 years, with results proclaimed within two days after election day.
Beginning this year’s national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will test-drive its third vote-counting system. Despite being used extensively in several polls, the previous system has generated controversies, including accusations of being used for wholesale cheating. We must remember that there are no election losers in the Philippines, only winners and those who were cheated. These systems allow voters to have their votes counted and tallied electronically, significantly speeding up the counting process. For instance, results were reported during recent elections within hours rather than days, dramatically improving public confidence in electoral outcomes.
One of the most significant changes that technology brings is how political campaigns are conducted. In the past, candidates relied heavily on traditional media such as television, radio, and print to reach voters. However, the internet and social media have revolutionized this aspect of elections. We expect the exponential rise in the use of social media platforms, which will continue to revolutionize how candidates will campaign and engage with voters. These platforms have become essential tools for political campaigns, allowing candidates to reach a broader audience quickly and efficiently. This shift has democratized political discourse, enabling grassroots movements to gain traction without relying solely on traditional media outlets.
However, this new tool also presents challenges. The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation campaigns has become a significant concern in many electoral jurisdictions. Fake news that has the potential to influence can spread like wildfire through social media, potentially affecting voter decisions. To mitigate this, the Comelec recently issued guidelines regulating the use of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) during election campaigns. Social media, however, has democratized political campaigning, allowing even lesser-known candidates to gain visibility and support.
AI is another technology that has the potential to revolutionize Philippine elections. AI can analyze large datasets, predict voter behavior, and enhance cybersecurity measures. Despite the potential benefits, the use of AI in elections also raises ethical concerns. There is a risk that AI could be used to manipulate public opinion or spread misinformation, including deepfake technology, to undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
Beyond vote counting, technology also has the potential to help create more accurate and reliable voter lists and minimize double registrations and cases of flying voters. Online voter registration platforms have also made the process more accessible, particularly for younger voters and those in remote areas, although digital literacy and internet access remain challenges.
While internet penetration has increased significantly in the Philippines, the digital divide remains a critical issue. Many Filipinos lack access to the internet and digital devices, particularly in rural areas and lower-income communities. This can lead to unequal participation in the electoral process, potential disenfranchisement, and marginalized communities being left out of the discourse. The digital divide can also be manifested with the use of LED billboards for campaigns. As early as now, you will not miss those giant LED billboards along major thoroughfares in the country. But only for those who can afford them.
Cybersecurity is another critical concern, especially for a nationwide exercise that will have a big impact on the country's future. The electronic transmission of election results and the storage of sensitive voter data make the electoral process vulnerable to cyberattacks. Ensuring the security and integrity of these systems is crucial to prevent tampering with results and maintain public trust in the electoral process.
Technology has proven effective in enhancing efficiency and transparency in the electoral process while enabling more dynamic political discourse through digital platforms. However, with these advancements come significant challenges related to misinformation, cybersecurity, access, and voter education. As the country approaches this year’s midterm elections, it will be crucial to balance leveraging technology's benefits and safeguarding democratic principles to ensure fair and credible electoral processes. The ongoing evolution of electoral technology will undoubtedly shape the future of democracy in the Philippines as it adapts to new realities in an increasingly digital world.
(The author is executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance of Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines, and vice president of the UP System Information Technology Foundation. [email protected])