Comelec to set up PCOS demo centers in 23 areas nationwide
-A A +ASunday, February 10, 2013
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to put up Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) demo centers in 23 areas around the country in preparation for the May 13 midterm polls.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said that beginning this month, the poll body will be setting up demonstrations centers, wherein they will be accommodating interested parties and individuals in getting acquainted with the PCOS machines.
“We want more people to see the demo so we are opening it to the public,” said Jimenez.
He said most of the PCOS demo centers will be put up in the National Capital Region (NCR), including one at the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila.
He noted that the move is different from their 2010 practice, wherein they only conduct demonstrations to special interest groups such as schools, companies and organizations upon requests.
“People who walk-in will be given this demo also,” he added.
In the centers, he said PCOS demonstrations will be conducted daily at regular intervals for about 30 to 45 minutes.
The demonstration will include discussions on basic PCOS operation, such as how to turn the machine on and off; the voting experience, including what to do when ballots are rejected by the unit; basic voters’ education, such as the party-list system; and an open forum.
However, the Comelec executive clarified that they remain open to invitations from special interest groups just like in 2010 for them to come and conduct PCOS demonstrations.
“If you have an event at your school or in your organization, and you want us to come and show you how the PCOS works and how it will benefit the electoral system and the entire Filipino electorate, simply accomplish the request form,” said Jimenez.
In the request form (available at http://mycomelec.tv/main/pcos-demo-request/), the Comelec is asking for the name of the one requesting; name of school, company or institution; event name; location; expected number of participants; and topics desired to be discussed. (HDT/Sunnex)
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