The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Signs Contract for Secure Electronic Transmission Services (SETS) Project
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the joint venture of IONE Resources Inc. and Ardent Networks Inc. have recently signed a contract worth P1.4 billion for the Secure Electronic Transmission Services (SETS) project. This project is set to be utilized in the 2025 midterm polls.
Under the leadership of COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia and Alberto Catangui, representing the joint venture, the contract was signed following the approval of the recommendation by the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) to issue a notice of award to the winning bidder for the procurement of SETS.
The COMELEC-SBAC has stated that the joint venture of IONE Resources Inc. and Ardent Ventures Inc. has successfully met all legal, financial, and technical requirements of the SETS project.
Enhancing the Transparency and Efficiency of Elections
The SETS project aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process by enabling the secure electronic transmission of election results. The system will transmit the electronic results from the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) directly to the Consolidation and Canvassing Systems (CCS), the National Board of Canvassers, and data centers.
Furthermore, the SETS project will also make the electronic results of the ACMs accessible to the dominant majority and minority parties, accredited citizen’s arms, and the media. This will allow for real-time updates and analysis of the election results, ensuring a more informed and engaged electorate.
Revolutionizing the Automated Elections System
In addition to the SETS project, the COMELEC has also signed a contract with the joint venture of Miru Systems of South Korea for the lease of 110,000 customized Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) and other peripheral services. The contract, valued at P17.9 billion, aims to revolutionize the current Automated Elections System.
The ACMs, developed by Miru Systems, will replace the outdated Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) that were used in the 2016, 2019, and 2022 elections. These VCMs are now considered obsolete by technology standards.
The new system, known as the Fastrac, is an upgraded optical mark reader paper-based automated elections system with Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) capabilities. It was first unveiled to the public on May 4, 2023.
Key Features of the Fastrac System
The Fastrac system, as outlined in the approved terms of reference, will include the following key features:
1. Precinct-based upgraded paper-based AES with DRE capabilities: The system will still utilize a paper ballot, but the election results will be sent separately and directly from the ACM to the KBP, dominant majority party, dominant minority party, and citizens arm server.
2. Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) or Voter’s Receipts: The ballot box will include a separate box for the VVPAT or voter’s receipts, ensuring transparency and accountability.
3. Faster scanning of ballots: The system will have the capability to scan ballots at a speed of at least 200 mm per second, ensuring efficient processing of votes.
4. Higher resolution scanning: The Fastrac system will have a higher resolution of ballot scanning, with a resolution of 300 dots per inch and at least an 8-bit JPEG image, ensuring accurate and clear scanning of ballots.
5. Larger screen display: The system will feature a larger screen display of at least 132 inches diagonal, providing a clear and easily readable interface for voters.
6. Transparent count of votes: After the closing of polls, the ACM will allow for a transparent count of votes. All ballot images (back and front) will be displayed on the screen, one by one, with the votes obtained by each candidate added after the display of each ballot image. Additionally, the system will allow for the scanning of VVPAT QR codes, displaying the votes obtained by each candidate.
These features of the Fastrac system aim to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of the electoral process, ensuring that every vote is counted and that the results are reliable and trustworthy.
In conclusion, the recent signing of the contract for the SETS project and the lease of the Fastrac system marks a significant step towards revolutionizing the electoral process in the Philippines. These initiatives aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability, ultimately strengthening the democratic foundations of the nation. With the implementation of these advanced technologies, the COMELEC is paving the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and reliable electoral system that will serve the Filipino people for years to come.
Source: The Manila Times
