Poll watchdog says many counting machines malfunction

May 13, 2019

Poll watchdog group Kontra Daya said the number of malfunctioning vote counting machines (VCMs) in different polling precincts are rising.

In its report few hours before Monday's midterm elections end, Kontra Daya said; "As of 12:00 noon today, Kontra Daya’s ground volunteers have monitored at least 39 cases of errors or failures resulting from malfunctioning vote counting machines (VCMs) nationwide."

"Malfunctioning VCMs are a major cause of voter disenfranchisement due to delays and rejected ballots," it added.

It cited the case of former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was temporarily unable to vote in his precinct.

"This number continues to rise as of now and does not include reports of VCM malfunctions reported on social media," said Kontra Daya.

In Metro Manila alone, the group said VCM errors or failures have been reported in precincts in the cities of Caloocan, Manila, San Juan, Malabon, Novaliches, Pasig, and Quezon City.

In Northern Luzon, VCM shutdowns were reported in Bambang East Elementary School in Nueva Vizcaya, and Tumaini, Isabela.

In Central Luzon, VCM problems were reported in: Brgy. Libsong, West Lingayen, Pangasinan; San Miguel, Tarlac; Minuyan, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; Talavera Elementary School, Nueva Ecija; and Ruperto Zubia Elementary School in Baler, Aurora.

In the Visayas, VCM errors were reported in precincts of Lawaan, Eastern Samar; and Mabolo Elementary School in Cebu City.

In Mindanao, manual voting was done in precincts in Malabang, Lanao del Sur and Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao.

"The reported errors included machines shutting down, stopping, or refusing to start, stuck up ballots and/or voters’ receipts, and discrepancies in receipts generated," said Kontra Daya. DMS