Comelec considering Internet voting for overseas Filipinos in 2016

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MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering to introduce the Internet voting for the overseas absentee voting (OAV) in the 2016 elections.

Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, chairman of the Comelec – Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) said they are looking at pilot testing the technology some areas in the Americas, Middle East, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore.

“We are looking at these areas for pilot testing in 2016. They have the adequate technology, Internet connection, and large overseas Filipino concentration that are needed for the pilot testing,” he said in an interview.

Tagle added they have already conducted the study to identify the technology for internet voting as provided by the Republic Act 10590 or the amended Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2013.

Section 28 of RA 10590 provides that the commission “may explore other more efficient, reliable and secure modes or systems, ensuring the secrecy and sanctity of the entire process, whether paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology or such other latest technology available”.

He added that they cannot use the technology unless Congress pass a law that will allow to use the internet technology as well as to provide them the budget.

On Sunday, Senate President Franklin Drilon urged the the Comelec to find a voting technology that will allow overseas absentee voting via the internet.

At present, voters overseas are allowed to vote through personal and postal voting in Philippine embassies and consulates while some foreign post are using the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines.