The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has entered one of the most crucial stages of preparation for the historic Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections, conducting the final testing and sealing of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) just days before voters head to the polls.
The Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) was conducted on Saturday, September 12, as election officials worked to ensure that the machines designated for the first-ever BARMM parliamentary elections are functioning properly before Election Day on September 14.
According to ABS-CBN News, ACMs were tested and sealed in areas including Sultan Kudarat as Comelec completed its final preparations for Monday’s historic vote. The exercise is designed to verify that the machines can accurately read and count ballots before they are officially secured for use on Election Day.
More Than 5,000 Precincts Preparing for Election Day
The scale of the operation is enormous.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia earlier said the final testing and sealing would cover all 5,212 voting precincts across the Bangsamoro region. Election materials, including ballots, ACMs, batteries and other equipment, were deployed ahead of the testing process to ensure that voting centers would be ready.
GMA News Online reported that Comelec deployed around 7,000 automated counting machines for the BARMM elections, including additional units intended as backup machines. The poll body also prepared spare batteries to help prevent technical disruptions from affecting the voting process.
The region has approximately 2.39 million registered voters spread across 105 municipalities and cities, making the upcoming election one of the most significant political events in BARMM’s history.
Why the Testing and Sealing Process Matters
The Final Testing and Sealing process is one of the most important safeguards before an automated election.
During the procedure, election personnel test whether the ACM can properly process ballots and accurately record votes. Once the machine passes the required procedures, it is sealed and secured until it is used during the actual election.
The process is intended to identify potential technical problems before Election Day and provide additional confidence that the voting system is ready for use.
The September 12 testing date was included in Comelec’s election timetable for the BARMM parliamentary elections, according to election information compiled by GMA News Online.
Comelec Says It Is ‘All Systems Go’
Comelec has expressed confidence that preparations for the historic parliamentary elections are on track.
Philippine News Agency earlier reported that the poll body was targeting the complete deployment of election materials ahead of the final testing and sealing of ACMs.
Reports from Pilipino Star Ngayon also said the Final Testing and Sealing was being conducted simultaneously across 1,186 schools that would serve as voting centers, as Comelec declared its preparations for the BARMM elections ready for the final stretch.
Comelec is also working with election watchdogs and other institutions to strengthen transparency and public confidence in the process. The poll body previously entered into agreements involving election monitoring groups and agencies for election-related oversight and audit efforts.
Voters Also Warned Against Election Misinformation
As Election Day approaches, Comelec has also been battling false information surrounding the BARMM polls.
The Philippine Star reported that Comelec recently warned voters against misleading social media claims alleging that ballots had already been shaded before Election Day. The poll body said the allegations were false and explained that ballots were securely stored and sealed.
Comelec also sought to reassure the public regarding possible power interruptions, noting that the automated counting machines have battery backup systems.
The warning highlights another major challenge facing the upcoming elections: ensuring not only that the machines work properly, but also that voters receive accurate information as they prepare to participate in the historic vote.
A Historic Moment for Bangsamoro
The September 14 elections will mark the first parliamentary elections for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Voters are expected to elect representatives who will help shape the future of the Bangsamoro Parliament, making the election a major milestone in the region’s political transition.
With the final testing and sealing of thousands of Automated Counting Machines now underway, Comelec is entering the last and perhaps most critical phase of preparation.
The machines are being tested. The ballots have been deployed. Security and contingency measures are in place.
Now, all eyes turn to September 14.
The question is no longer whether BARMM is ready to make history—but whether Election Day will unfold as smoothly as Comelec hopes.
Leave a Reply