Vote-counting machine inside a precinct during the May 2019 midterm elections. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte wants a “fraud-free technology provider” for the 2022 national elections.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this Wednesday even as the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that 4 of 5 Filipinos were satisfied with the results of the May 2019 midterm polls.
READ: 4 of 5 Filipinos find May 2019 polls ‘believable’ – SWS
Panelo said Malacañang was “pleased” with the survey results.
“The voice of the sovereign people has spoken. The results of the latest survey confirm the desire of the populace for the continuance of the genuine and meaningful change President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has initiated for our country three years ago,” he said in a statement.
“The survey results should put to rest the doubt cast by the vociferous and partisan minority upon the integrity of the midterm elections, as well as put a halt to their condescending and elitist remarks on the preference of the Filipino majority,” he added.
Allies of Duterte dominated the 2019 midterm elections, in what the President said was a referendum for his three-year-old administration.
READ: Duterte sees results of midterm polls as referendum for admin
In his visit to Japan in May, Duterte told the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to “dispose of” Smartmatic, the provider of the vote-counting machines (VCMs) for the Philippines’ automated elections.
READ: Duterte tells Comelec: Dispose of Smartmatic
Panelo said “the President remains committed to asking the poll body to have a fraud-free technology provider in 2022 as part of the Duterte administration’s lasting electoral reform legacy to the nation.” /kga