MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday conducted the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines (ACMs) as preparations continued for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections on Sept. 14.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said initial testing at the Cotabato City Institute in Cotabato City showed that the election equipment was complete and ready for use.
Garcia said the machines, batteries, codes and digital signatures were checked, with the batteries also found to be fully charged.
“At least, those are initial accomplishments and an indication that [the process was] successful,” Garcia said in Filipino and English.
The Comelec said the final testing and sealing was intended to ensure that each ACM operates efficiently and is ready for use on Election Day.
After testing, the machines will be placed in their cases and boxes, properly sealed and securely stored inside the polling place or designated room at the voting center, the poll body said.
The machines will only be opened again on Sept. 14, Election Day.
Garcia also reminded voters to properly shade their ballots and avoid marking them with an “X,” saying improper markings may not be recognized by the automated counting machines.
