Aksyon urges nationwide digital signatures for Eleksyon 2022

Aksyon Demokratiko is urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to implement the use of digital signatures nationwide for the upcoming Eleksyon 2022.

The party believes the use of digital signatures by the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) should not be confined to the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu City, and Davao City.

Aksyon Demokratiko also opposes the expansion of iButtons, which are used for digital signatures, to other regions and provinces.

The Comelec had previously approved iButtons only for NCR, Cebu, and Davao due to failed bidding procedures for a nationwide system.

However, the Comelec Advisory Council (CAC) recommended expanding the use of iButtons for digital signatures to other areas.

Aksyon Demokratiko chairman Ernesto Ramel cited the Omnibus Election Code, which requires BEIs and the Board of Canvassers (BOCs) to digitally sign and electronically transmit election returns and certificates of canvass.

The party hopes the Comelec En Banc will reconsider its decision and fully implement digital signatures for BEIs and BOCs in the May 2022 National and Local Elections.