The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) expresses serious concern over the delayed and incomplete transmission of election results from the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), contrary to prior commitments regarding the timely and transparent flow of information.
As of 8:56 PM, NAMFREL had not received the full set of election results data expected from the ACMs. All result packages from 8:03 PM to 8:35 PM did not contain any election result. This delay is particularly troubling in light of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) publishing an official transmission figure of 76.37% as of 8:45 PM. Despite this, NAMFREL’s systems reflect receipt of only partial data—approximately 30%, according to COMELEC records.
However, upon examination, the data received by NAMFREL at 8:56 PM consist mainly of 118MB packets containing look-up files and headers, which reflects 60% of the ERs received. Similar reports of non-receipt or incomplete data have been received from other stakeholders connected to the ACMs.
These inconsistencies have understandably fueled public suspicion about possible throttling or manipulation of transmitted results. The lack of transparency and timely communication has undermined confidence in the integrity of the transmission process.
NAMFREL respectfully but urgently calls on the Commission on Elections to clarify the situation without delay. It is imperative that COMELEC promptly identify and disclose any points of failure in the system, and provide a clear and credible explanation as to why the expected data have not been received by authorized stakeholders.
Only through immediate and transparent action can COMELEC begin to address the growing concerns of the public and candidates alike. Restoring confidence in the electoral process demands that these issues be resolved with utmost urgency and accountability.
NAMFREL remains committed to its mandate of ensuring clean, honest, and credible elections, and stands ready to assist in clarifying these critical matters in the interest of electoral integrity and public trust.
