Groups ask SC to compel Comelec for poll transparency

The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), Automated Election System Watch (AES WATCH), and Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (GBI) have petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure transparency in the 2022 national and local elections.

The groups want the SC to order Comelec to implement digital signatures for the elections and disclose critical information.

They are also seeking access for political parties, candidates, accredited media, and other organizations to crucial poll processes, including the printing of ballots.

Furthermore, they want the public to scrutinize the disposition or destruction of approximately 5.2 million defective ballots.

The petition also requests that Comelec-accredited observers be allowed to inspect the configuration and preparation of SD cards for vote-counting machines in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Additionally, they seek public observation of pre-logic and accuracy tests (Pre-LAT) and other tests to be conducted.