MANILA, Philippines – A week before the midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is confident it can find a new partner for the random manual audit (RMA) after National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) declined its accreditation as citizens’ arm.
“We will have one, don’t worry about that,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said Monday in a press briefing when asked about Namfrel’s possible replacement.
The poll watchdog rejected its accreditation on Friday, citing the Comelec’s denial of its request for full access to information and data.
READ: Namfrel cuts ties with Comelec for May 13 midterm polls
Namfrel is referring to its request to set up an open election data website for the elections, which would require election data access from Comelec.
The website was among 3 major projects the group listed when it applied for accreditation last December 5.
Comelec earlier approved Namfrel’s application to monitor and observe the automated election system and participate in the conduct of the RMA.
However, it has yet to decide on Namfrel’s Open Election Data project.
READ: Namfrel awaits Comelec accreditation of ‘Open Election Data’ project
In an interview over dzMM on Monday morning, Jimenez said there are groups that are keen joining the RMA to countercheck election results.
“Marami tayong naging partners nung 2016 na andyan pa rin at nananatiling handang tumulong. Namfrel lang po talaga ang kumalas dito,” Jimenez said. /gsg
READ: Namfrel pullout as citizens arm for May polls ‘not an easy matter’ for Comelec