Comelec downplays ‘No-el’ scenario

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Tuesday that the 2028 national and local elections will push through despite speculations of a “No-el” (no elections) scenario as it presented the draft for the terms of reference (TOR) for the automated election system, particularly on the use of automated counting machines (ACMs).

Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia said that stakeholders will have two weeks to submit their suggestions while political parties will also be asked to comment before they finalize the TOR.

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He added that for 2028, the Comelec wants heavy-duty ACMs as it estimates it will need around 125,000 machines due to an increase in the number of voters and as backup. —DIANNE SAMPANG