Comelec ofcl urges posting of second copy of ERs
Judgment day: Voters write on the ballot their
preferred candidates to become the new set of
government leaders for three years.
To erase doubts regarding switching of election results, the Comelec has ordered all the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) to post the second copy of the election returns in the city's 1,144 clustered precincts, 48 hours after the votation has concluded.
Atty. Nelia Aureus, chairman of the Board of City Canvassers said the second copy of the seven copies of the election returns should be posted in all polling precincts. The second copy which is still clear should be used by respective candidates to compare the number of votes they got from the polling precincts with the Board of Canvassers.
Aureus, who was sent by the Comelec national office to oversee the canvassing of election returns in the city said the results of the election returns from the polling precinct should not differ in whatever results the Board of Canvassers will come up. The first copy of the election return is for the Board of Canvassers.
The other copies of the election returns will be provided to all the concerned parties and watchdog organizations.
In an interview with The News Today, Aureus clarified that she is not the the new City Election Officer but is the chair of the Board of Canvassers contrary to reports. She likewise debunked reports that she was sent to Iloilo City to ensure a 12-0 win for the administration Team Unity in the senatorial race. Her presence is to avoid familiarity from among the Comelec personnel who will serve as chair of the Board of Canvassers. She was accompanied by her four staff.
The members of the Board of Election Inspectors should be reminded by concerned parties should this new Comelec policy is taken for granted. There is no sanction for non-compliance of the Board of Election Inspectors but they required to follow to avoid any problems arising from the counting and canvassing of votes, said Aureus.
In the canvassing of votes, families and leaders of the candidates should not intervene. They can, however, pose objections. No families, relatives and representatives of the candidates should intimidate the members of the Board of Canvassers and disrupt the proceedings. Each candidate is allowed to post one watcher during the canvassing of votes, said Aureus.
There were 11 subcommittees to take care of the canvassing of votes for the 1,144 clustered precincts. Each subcommittee is led by a chairman, vice chairman and one member. While, each candidate is allowed to post one watcher during the canvassing of votes. As of press time, she could not say yet on when they can conclude the canvassing of votes.
There should be no presence of police or military personnel inside the canvassing centers. All the bodyguards and law enforcers should stay outside the canvassing area. They should only be called when there is a need, said Aureus.