The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assures the safety of the Internet voting system to be implemented for the 2025 midterm elections, emphasizing its resilience against potential disruptions, including artificial intelligence (AI) interference.
Overseas Filipino voters in countries permitting internet voting will have access to the system.
Comelec recently evaluated a joint venture bidding for the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) contract, showcasing features like live selfie enrollment and identity verification through registration databases and biometrics.
The system also includes an error recovery mechanism. The bidding joint venture, SMS Global Technologies, Inc. and Sequent Tech Inc. offered a bid of P112 million, below Comelec’s budget.
While the evaluation is ongoing, Comelec anticipates awarding the contract within a month, aiming for voter enrollment by late December or early January.
Comelec hopes the internet voting system will increase overseas Filipino voter turnout, targeting 70 to 80 percent, compared to the 38% turnout in the 2022 Presidential elections.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 12, 2024
