Is computerized election fool proof?
By karlasper
@karlasper (99)
Philippines
February 6, 2007 6:40pm CST
Philippine elections is fast approaching. Our counting method is done manually, meaning, it is still man who opens and reads the ballots. Expectedly the election results is excruciatingly slow, not to mention the incidents of ballot box snatching and election fraud. There were been attempts to computerize our elections just like how it is done in other countries like in the USA. But there are sectors who are apprehensive of the plan saying that election fraud may be even greater in computerized election since the system can always be hacked. Is this so?
2 responses
@temperamental (73)
• Philippines
10 Feb 07
Cheaters remain cheaters regardless of the method use, though I strongly believe that computerized elections will dramatically improve the time it takes to declare winners - no more ballot box switching, dagdag-bawas,ballot box hi-jacking. If there is going to be cheating,though, I'm afraid that it'll be more massive since a great deal of data can be compromised when everything's electronic.
By the way, did you know that the company that developed the software for the computerized election is so willing to sacrifice their profit. It's giving the SW to the Philippine government for free!!! Well, just like what the developer commented in the news, 'If there is a will, there is a way."
@karlasper (99)
• Philippines
20 Feb 07
Thanks for your opinion. But I wont go for computerization not unless I feel confident that the commission on election can handle it. Cheating would be more advance in computerization and infact will be less noticeable as it wont leave any hard evidence in the eyes of witnessess since only those operating the machines and even only one among them has the control. With the several complaints against the commissioners especially in the famous illegal purchase of computers, how do can you convince people to fully trust them?
@blindedfox (3315)
• Philippines
7 Feb 07
We can't say for sure. It does accelerate the voting and counting process, but it is highly possible for some people (especialy those behind the system) to mess with the results, either positively or negatively. We are accustomed to the usual voting manner, so most people will react about this new system (especially the old ones).
IMO, election fraud will be EASIER in a computerized system.
@karlasper (99)
• Philippines
9 Feb 07
You are right blindedfox. It seems that no system can make Philippine elections cleaner. The Filipino culture and mindset simply wont allow that. What do you think?
