DAVAO CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Elections XI (Comelec-XI) presented to members of the Davao City media the new and improved Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) from South Korea-based firm MIRU System.
Comelec XI Assistant Regional Election Director Atty. Gay Enumerables highlighted the new features of the upgraded ACMs. The machines now include a 14-inch screen with a privacy cover feature on the side, allowing voters to review their selections.
Additionally, the ACMs are now more PWD-friendly, with accessibility features such as headphone support for visually impaired voters. Other improvements include faster scanning, automatic receipt cutting with a built-in compartment, and auto-alignment of the ballot.
Atty. Enumerables also emphasized the major highlight that the ACMs can operate using a lithium battery, demonstrating their ability to function without being plugged into a power outlet.
“Ang ang assurance ng provider ng machines na yung batteries na gagamitin for the May 12 elections for the machines is aabot ng 14 hours minimum.” Atty. Enumerables said.
(The provider assured that the batteries which will be used for the May 12 elections can last for minimum of 14 hours.)
The lithium battery is specifically designed for the ACMs and is not compatible with other appliances. Atty. Enumerables emphasized that its use is intended solely for contingency purposes.
“Upon opening of the machines, yung pag-set up nila, i-saksak nila yan sa outlet. Yung ano lang naman yan is contingency, in case na mawala ang kuryente, but hindi talaga gagamitin yang battery na battery alone. Kasi may mga kuryente naman tayo, but if mawala ang kuryente, meron tayong spare na battery na magamit na still mag-andar ang makina. Atty.” Enumerables stated.
(When they set it up they plug it to the outlet, the battery is for contingency in case there is no power outage, they will no really use the battery as battery alone because we have electricity but if there is outage we have spare battery that they can use the machines can still operate.)
This intends to assures stakeholders that the ACMs will function seamlessly during the May 12 elections, even in situation where external power sources may not be available. (REC / PIA XI)
