The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman, George Garcia, has pledged transparency and meticulousness as the agency examines the qualifications of the lone bidder for the P18.827 billion contract for the 2025 automated elections.
The joint venture of South Korean firm Miru Systems Company Limited emerged as the only bidder during the second round of bidding for the lease of the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC). The contract includes the supply of automated counting machines, ballots, and canvassing materials.
However, concerns have been raised about Miru Systems’ performance in previous elections in different countries, such as in Iraq and Congo, where organizations and citizens doubted the accuracy and security of Miru Systems’ machines. In Argentina, local IT experts advised against using Miru Systems’ machines due to concerns about their ability to accurately and securely count votes.
Chairman Garcia assured that Miru Systems would undergo a stringent post-qualification process to determine if they will be awarded the contract. He emphasized that the selection process during the second bidding was transparent, with live streaming, media presence, and the involvement of citizens’ groups and the Commission on Audit.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 11, 2024
