Assessing 2010 Elections Automation in the Philippines Detailing the Technology, Process, & People Risks

If the Philippines Government has proven a complete inability to carry out major projects, what are the chances that the AES – a massive, nationwide technology implementation that must be conducted flawlessly under a tight timeline with the entire country watching – is conducted and implemented successfully?”

While the Philippines Government and Comelec continue to guarantee a successful automated election in 2010, there are very real consequences if the automated elections in May fail to deliver credible returns. The Omnibus Election Code stipulates that after a party submits a valid petition or protest, the Comelec shall call
for the holding or continuation of the election not held, suspended, or which resulted in a failure to elect. The Code states that the election should occur not later than 30 days after the cessation of the cause of such postponement or suspension of the election or failure to elect.

This remains a most drastic scenario, but in Philippines politics anything is possible. Elections in the country are typically full of irregularities – a reality that has seemingly been accepted by Filipinos. Misdeeds including fraud, vote-buying, ballot switching, top down cheating schemes, and both valid and unfounded protests over results are hard-wired into the Philippine elections system and voter psyche. It is doubtful that
even the best AES could fully reverse these dynamics.

This report was released by PACIFIC STRATEGIES & ASSESSMENTS