Comelec to reassess precinct clustering after long queues

The clustering of precincts in the country’s first nationwide automated elections will be the subject of an “utmost post-election analysis" by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after it caused long queues of voters on election day. “This is the first time we did nationwide automation. Let’s see what we can do to improve in the next election. Definitely, it’s the queuing system that we should look into," said Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal at a press briefing on Monday afternoon. For this year’s elections, the Comelec has clustered six to eight precincts into one, causing long lines that tested the patience of many voters nationwide. In some precincts, voters even collapsed due to exhaustion while waiting for their turn to vote.

Each cluster has up to 1,000 registered voters. Despite the crowd management problems, Larrazabal commended those who stayed in line for hours to exercise their right to vote. “It’s a celebration of democracy. People have been queuing up. Some have been less patient because of the long lines, but most stayed on because they want to vote," he said. Cesar Flores, president of poll machine supplier Smartmatic-Asia, attributed the high turnout of voters to election automation. “People were happy, excited and curious to vote because of the automation. My feeling is that it contributed to a high voter turnout," he said. “This speaks highly of the democratic sentiment of the Filipino people, and for that, I congratulate you all," he added. —Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMANews.TV