Comelec in CamSur all set for the coming elections

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- It’s all systems go for the Commissions on Elections (Comelec) in Camarines Sur as it gears for the midterm elections in May 13.

This was disclosed by Comelec Camarines Sur spokesman Alexander Marpuri during the FORUM@PIA this morning. The program was carried live over DWRB Radyo ng Bayan as Marpuri and members of the local tri media here in the province discussed election-related issues and concerns.

Marpuri disclosed 1,559 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines had already been delivered in the province and in their custody. They are expecting 76 more as reserves should these PCOS breakdown during the election day.

“I can say that in terms of preparation, Comelec Camarines Sur is 90 percent ready for this year’s conduct of the election. We have already conducted training with members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), PCOS technicians were already trained and have passed through the examinations. We also have backed up measures to ensure that the upcoming elections will be fair, honest and most especially, peaceful,” Marpuri said during the forum.

Marpuri said that they have already instructed the BEIs to bring emergency lamps and flashlights in case of power interruption or brownout especially during the canvassing of votes. There are also stand-by generators in polling precincts to ensure that brownouts will not hamper the ongoing poll.

Members of the local media who were not able to get their accreditation, will have a limited opportunity to enter polling precincts and offices but are not barred from covering the said event.

“Accredited members of the media have more access to news sources and stories but it does not mean that those who were not able to secure one, will not be able to cover. We just have to remember a few things like taking photos or videos of the ballots,” Marpuri added.

As for the signal jammers during the canvassing of votes and its subsequent release, Marpuri said the Comelec is now doing the necessary precautions and have alerted the Bureau of Customs in Manila to be specifically watchful of said gadgets.

He also allayed fears that the jammers can create a significant damage to the election results, clarifying that the jammers can delay the sending of results but it can not tamper the outcome of the said political exercise. (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur)