Evaluation of the May 10 polls starts next month

MANILA, August 22 — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct an assessment of the May 10 national and local elections next month.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the evaluation, which will begin in September and to be completed by November, will be conducted by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).

“Definitely, it will push through, itong evaluation and it will end by the start of November. That time, it will submit already to the Comelec the report… They will have two full months to evaluate,” he said.

In fact, Sarmiento said the Terms of Reference for the assessment is being finalized in preparation for the evaluation.

Among the issues to be discussed is the use of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, the clustering of precincts, and the overall conduct of the elections.

The Comelec official said the international group was selected to conduct the evaluation since it is known of being non-partisan and advocacy for the exercise of democracy.

“It is known in many countries and has been lauded for its democratic initiatives. It is not identified with a political party or partisan group so… it is in the best position to conduct the evaluation and audit,” said the poll official.

IFES is based in Washington, D.C.

Sarmiento assured that the Comelec is ready to cooperate with the IFES in conducting the evaluation as they are opening access to their personnel (field and head offices) as well as to their records.

He added that the poll body will not spend money in the process as it will be conducted for free. (PNA)

DCT/FGP/utb

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