Poll automation providers to show off tech for 2019 elections

Will it be replaced soon? The Precinct Count Optical Scan machine used in the 2010 and 2016 elections. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA — Providers and developers of automated election systems (AES) on Wednesday will showcase in a trade fair their technology solutions which could be tapped for the 2019 midterm elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the one-day AES Technology Fair for local and foreign AES providers and developers would be held at the Novotel Manila Hotel.

“The Comelec Advisory Council (CAC) will conduct the AES Technology Fair to gather various technology providers to present and demonstrate the available local and international AES technologies,” the Comelec said in an advisory.

The CAC earlier said the event was necessary for the council to thoroughly evaluate and make an informed recommendation on which AES is best for the next elections.

Expected to grace the technology fair are Comelec officials and representatives from the technical evaluation committee, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Science and Technology, ICT organizations, the academe and nongovernment organizations.

The CAC said six AES vendors would exhibit their available technologies at the fair.

“The Comelec believes that this is an important first step towards the CAC’s final technology recommendation,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said.

“The Comelec likewise welcomes the participation of local technology proponents, and looks forward to seeing solutions that are responsive to the needs of the electorate and the electoral process,” he said.  SFM