Comelec conducts final testing and sealing of VCMs nationwide

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducted a week-long final testing and sealing (FTS) of vote counting machines (VCMs) nationwide to ensure their proper functioning for the May 9 polls.

The FTS process commenced in Metro Manila on Tuesday, May 3, with Comelec Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan describing the start as "flawless" and "perfect."

During the FTS, poll workers set up the VCMs following meticulous instructions.

The VCMs generate an initialization report receipt to prove they are not pre-programmed.

Participants feed ten test ballots into the VCMs and verify that the generated voter receipts accurately match their votes.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia invited the public to witness the VCM testing process and urged them to support these activities.

The FTS will conclude on May 7, the final day of the campaign period, with various dates set for different cities and municipalities nationwide.