2022 polls accurate, Smartmatic insists as it faces DQ petition

MANILA, Philippines — Smartmatic insisted that the results of the 2022 national and local elections were “100 percent accurate” as it faces a petition to disqualify (DQ) it from bidding in the 2025 midterm elections.

“We confidently stand by the demonstrable 100% accuracy of the results of the 2022 elections in the same way that we remain very confident in the untarnished reliability and integrity of our products and solutions,” Smartmatic said in a statement Tuesday.

It added that there was no discrepancy between the precinct-level count and the data received at the National Board of Canvassers and the Transparency Server.

“To the contrary, we can confidently state once again that there is no discrepancy  between the precinct-level count and the data as received at the National Board of Canvassers and the Transparency Server. In fact, the petitioners cannot even show even a single-vote discrepancy in any of the transmitted results as against the precinct results, which should be the true definition and standard in claiming election fraud,” it added.

The company added that it complied with its contract with the Commission of Elections (Comelec) and was willing to prove the integrity, accuracy and reliability of their systems.

“All actions of Smartmatic have all been in complete compliance with the provisions of the contract — under the strict supervision, control, and due approval of the Comelec. As always, we are ready, willing and able to prove the integrity, accuracy and reliability of our system before any court should we be given an opportunity to do it,” it said.

In June, former Information and Communications Technology Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr.,former Comelec Commissioner Augusto Lagman, former president of Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines Franklin Ysaac, and retired Col. Leonardo Odoño filed a petition to disqualify Smartmatic from bidding in the 2025 elections.

The Comelec held the first hearing on the petition on Tuesday.

atm