The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Region 9 is gearing up for the 2025 national and local elections with the introduction of a new voting system, the Automated Counting Machine (ACM), developed by the Korean firm Miru.
COMELEC-9 plans to conduct a comprehensive roadshow across all barangays in the region from December 2024 to January 2025, demonstrating the new ACM to ensure voters are familiar with the updated and user-friendly technology. This initiative aims to streamline voting processes and address potential technical issues ahead of election day.
According to Atty. Jan Christian Babiera, Election Officer of COMELEC Zamboanga, the new ACM is a significant upgrade over the previous Vote Counting Machine (VCM) from Smartmatic, offering improved functionality and ease of use. “The ACM from Miru is more innovative and user-friendly than the VCM,” Babiera remarked during a recent PIA Kapihan na Zamboanga program
COMELEC-9 is also coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure election materials, including the ACM, are delivered to isolated and disadvantaged areas in region 9 on election day.
Atty. Babiera highlighted important dates for the upcoming elections:Filing of Certificates of Candidacy: October 1-8, 2024, at KCC Mall de Zamboanga; Election period: January 12, 2025, marking the start of the gun and liquor ban; National campaign period: February 11 to May 12, 2025, for senatorial candidates, party lists, and other national positions; Local campaign period: March 28 to May 10, 2025 and Election Day: May 12, 2025.
Babiera reminded voters to bring valid government-issued IDs on election day, although it is not mandatory in all precincts, as some may request them for validation purposes.
COMELEC-9 emphasized the importance of voter participation, particularly among first-time voters and the youth.
“By exercising the right of suffrage, voters can choose leaders with the right platforms who can help the community and the country as a whole,” Babiera said, encouraging all eligible citizens to participate in the election process. (JPA/MLE/DBE-GIP/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)