Glitches and power interruptions in the Philippines’ midterm elections show that the country’s electoral system remains imperfect, a political analyst said Monday.

PPCRV gets reports of poll violence, automated counting machine issues

Edna Co, former dean of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance, said there is a discrepancy in how the elections are being run in the cities and in the provinces.

She said reports of ballots being spoiled due to ink blots or automated counting machines not working should be addressed by Commission on Elections as part of design thinking during elections.

She said design thinking includes both the designs of the machines, chairs and the entire physical environment of precincts during elections such as location and power supply.

“Nauunahan tayo, halimbawa ‘yung electoral manager ang pinag-uusapan lang ‘yung paano bumoboto ang tao,” she said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview. 

Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan, meanwhile, said power interruptions in the elections have been greatly reduced as of 9 a.m. on Election Day.

On the human side, Co said reports of poll violence in areas such as Marawi City and Silay City are disturbing since the same can happen in even far-flung areas. 

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