Power failure threatens election operations in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – The local Comelec here says they are 99% prepared for election day, although power failure remains a threat to the successful conduct of the polls.

According to Comelec officer, Joseph Ian V. Tria, “Ang mga machine natin ay ready naman according to the provider. Ready na sila, pati ang mga paraphernalia nagsidatingan na rin. So far, 99% na tayo ready.” (Our machines are ready according to the provider, and the paraphernalia are gradually arriving. So far, we are 99% ready.)

In preparation for elections, Comelec officials are organizing a series of refresher training workshops for the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) from May 3 to 6. This will ensure that everyone is well informed about their duties on election day.

They are also preparing for the final testing and sealing of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will take place on May 9 and 10 in Zamboanga City. Problems or defects can be identified, and if needed, machines will be replaced.

Erratic power

The primary threat for Zamboanga City, however, is power failure. The city, as in other parts of Mindanao, has been experiencing power failure lasting up to 8 hours. (Find sample advisory at the end of the article.)

For the past 15 years, power supply in Mindanao has been erratic. The National Grid Corp of the Philippines (NGCP) attributes the reduced capacity to the de-rating of National Power Corporation’s (Napocor) power plants.

According to Tria, power failure will not affect the PCOS machines because batteries are provided and prepared. However, the precincts will be dim without electricity during operations.

As for peace and order, Tria said there hasn’t been much of a problem so far. “Tahimik, eh, sa Zamboanga City knowing na andito lahat ng mga logistics ng military at PNP.” (Zamboanga City has been relatively quiet, with residents knowing that the military and PNP or Philippine National Police logistics are already here.)

Tria also mentioned that some parties have raised concerns about possible hacking during elections. He said that a printed copy of the results will be used as safeguard in such cases. Tampered ballots can be validated by checking if both hard and soft copies of the results are the same.

Zamboanga City has a total of 362,821 registered voters and a recorded voter turn-out of 59.51%. The total number of established precincts is at 2,256. – Rappler.com

Jemm de Leon is a Rappler mover from Zamboanga City.