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MANILA : Elections are not new to the Philippines, but come May, the country will try out its first nationwide automated polls.
And with less than two months to go, the elections commission is going all out on a publicity drive, to familiarise voters with the new system.
It is easier than using your mobile phones - that is the message which election official Leo Lim is conveying, on the Philippines' first voting machine.
The Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine is an optical scanner that will read and collate paper ballots.
In past elections, voters had to write the names of the candidates for each position. Under the new system, the names of all candidates will be printed on a 26-inch ballot, which is the size of two bond papers connected end-to-end.
Young voters are excited by the technology, and they are keen to experience the PCOS machine, marvelling at the speed and ease of use.
Nick Lopez, Southville International School and Colleges, said: "It looked like a time machine or ATM. I have never seen one before. It is pretty interesting, pretty cool. For the first time, I will be voting using an automated system so I am part of history.
"In the past, we have had many controversies such as 'dagdag bawas', and election fraud, and I think that the automatic election or the new system will help cap that problem. So I am pretty excited for this to happen in the Philippines."
Jam Gai, Southville International School and Colleges, said: "I was actually excited when I saw it...And being a first-time voter, I am just really excited to do my part in making this country a better place by placing my vote on who I think is the best president for this country.
"I just hope that since we are going automated this coming elections, I just hope that the machines won't be manipulated by other people."
With less than two months to polling day, the elections commission is intensifying its publicity campaign.
They will have a lot to do, as seven out of 10 Filipinos told a local survey that they are still clueless about the automated system.
Aside from conducting demonstrations, the elections commission is also tapping cyberspace to educate the public.
They are also appealing to celebrities and media personalities to join the poll body in beefing up its voter education campaign.
Leo Lim, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, said: "This machine is not an instant solution to our problems. This will just be a tool for us to have a clean election. A clean election will still depend on the electorate, the candidates, and of course, our support, our cooperation and vigilance."
The elections commission will be spending a total of US$42.5 million on voter education to ensure smooth polls on polling day. - CNA/ms
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