Glitches Galore

I dunno if COMELEC is aware of testing and configuration when it comes to automated devices. Earlier today, it was reported that certain PCOS machines experienced glitches during the reading of the ballots in Makati, Paranaque, Mindoro and Batangas. As of this posting time, reports of PCOS machines in Batangas have experienced 100 percent glitch in almost all of their precincts.

In the midst of this glitch galore commotion, COMELEC is offered only this explanation:

He explained that the reason why the machine was not able to read the votes on the ballot was because of the failure of “one part of the program of the software.”

Jimenez likewise clarified that the incident affects only votes cast on the back of the ballot, which is the portion meant for local candidates.

“Yung likod part ng balota the names were rearranged so parang nagkaroon ng double space, so the timing marks and the ovals were not corresponding (The names on the back part of the ballot were rearranged, leaving some space, so the timing marks and ovals did not correspond),” he said.

He said that the CF cards should have been configured in such a way that the PCOS machines would be able to read the new layout of the ballot. The Comelec had earlier decided to change the orientation of the listing of candidates on the ballot from vertical to horizontal.

Take note this statement: “one part of the program of the software.”

One part of the program of the software?? COMELEC, do you know what you are talking about? A program is categorized as a software. Meaning, if the program suffers from a particular glitch, you need to check up the codes in the programming language. You have to undergo the tedious process of coding, testing, and configuring of the whole program again.

And as if COMELEC is saying this is as easy as a pancake? Fat chance. Its not easy as what they think. Its not just like changing your Nintendo cartridge and try to blow the dust away from its bottom.

For a taxpayer like me, this is not a valid explanation. What part? What program? What software? COMELEC is just providing ambiguous excuses to serve as a cover up for these kind of problems.

IMHO, the testing and configuring of the machines should have happened a year ago. Come on, let’s be realistic with the time frame and factors involved. You can’t re-configure 15,000 machines in just a matter of few days and most of them are already delivered to the various nooks and crannies of our country. Of course, the logical step here is before you ship out the machines, COMELEC and SMARTMATIC should ensure the workability of the program and the whole machine itself.

Simple manufacturing process peeps (from what I think, coming from my previous experiences in the manufacturing setup): assemble – test – configuration – quality assurance – dry run- soft launch – shipping / delivery.

COMELEC should be aware that with a transition from manual to automated election process cannot be done in just one try. There should be a gradual introduction towards the new process. Everything is ensured working and feasible – from the ballots, training of the teachers and machines. What I am seeing here is the typical mess COMELEC goes into every election season. Kung yung voters list nga e di nila maayos, what more pa ang automated elections?

I am very skeptic of COMELEC and their push towards automated elections – with a flurry of glitches and headaches, I don’t know if this election will proceed properly or what. I think the Makati Business Club and the rest of the groups pushing for parallel manual count are correct. If the automated election suffers from glitches and other problems that will be encountered, what will happen to us? What will happen to the elections? Only God knows what will happen to the Philippines on May 10th.

Photo credits here.

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Tags: 2010, elections, national elections 2010, philippines, presidential, silver