Commission on Elections disqualifies Smartmatic from all procurement activities
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BREAKING: Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia says the poll body has disqualified Smartmatic from participating “in all Comelec procurement.”
Smartmatic has been the country’s poll technology provider since 2010.
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Title: Smartmatic Disqualified from Participating in All Comelec Procurement, Ending Decade-Long Partnership
Date: November 29, 2023
In a groundbreaking development, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia announced today that Smartmatic, the country’s poll technology provider since 2010, has been disqualified from participating “in all Comelec procurement.” This decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape as the nation prepares for the upcoming elections.
The announcement was made during a press conference held by Chairman Garcia, who cited unspecified reasons for the disqualification. The decision effectively ends Smartmatic’s decade-long partnership with Comelec and raises questions about the future of the country’s electoral system.
Smartmatic has played a significant role in the Philippines’ electoral process, providing the technology that facilitates the voting and counting of ballots. Their systems have been used in multiple national and local elections, ensuring the transparency and efficiency of the voting process. However, recent controversies surrounding the company’s alleged involvement in electoral fraud and security concerns have raised doubts about their continued participation in future elections.
The disqualification of Smartmatic comes at a critical time, as the country gears up for the next round of national elections. With less than six months remaining until the voting day, Comelec now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Smartmatic’s technology.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among politicians and citizens alike. Supporters of the move argue that it is a necessary step to restore faith in the electoral system and ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. They believe that new technologies and providers should be explored to enhance the transparency and security of the voting process.
On the other hand, critics express concerns about the potential disruption caused by the sudden removal of Smartmatic from the equation. They argue that the decision should have been made earlier, allowing for a smoother transition to an alternative provider. The timing of the disqualification leaves little room for error, which has raised concerns about the possibility of logistical challenges and delays in the election process.
Comelec has yet to announce its plan for the replacement of Smartmatic. The commission is expected to evaluate various alternatives, taking into consideration factors such as reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. The decision will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process in the coming months.
As the story develops, CNN Philippines will continue to provide updates on this significant development. The disqualification of Smartmatic marks a turning point in the country’s electoral landscape, with the potential to reshape the future of voting technology in the Philippines..
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@cnnphilippines said BREAKING: Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia says the poll body has disqualified Smartmatic from participating "in all Comelec procurement." Smartmatic has been the country’s poll technology provider since 2010. Story soon on cnnphilippines.com
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