Comelec completes final testing for BARMM parliamentary elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has completed the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines (ACMs) in preparation for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections on September 14.

Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia stated that all machines and election paraphernalia are sealed and packed across 5,212 precincts. To ensure security, the operation of the machines requires two different members to insert their cards, preventing any single individual from having total control over the process.

Addressing misinformation, Comelec dismissed reports claiming that municipal employees or teachers had pre-shaded ballots. The commission clarified that ballots are vacuum-sealed and stored securely in municipal or city treasurer offices, to be opened only on election day. Additionally, Comelec assured voters that the ACM batteries can operate for more than 14 hours to mitigate concerns regarding potential power outages during the polls. Approximately 2.3 million voters are expected to participate in electing 80 members of the BARMM parliament.