A GROUP of concerned citizens on Thursday vowed to stop the signing of the poll automation project between the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Smartmatic Corporation, and Total Information Management (TIM) Corp.

Harry Roque, lawyer for the Concerned Citizens Movement, said they will file a taxpayers’ suit before the Supreme Court (SC) if the poll body decides to push through with the signing of the contract.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter
 
Roque said they are looking to file an injunction before the High Court, as he is questioning why Smartmatic and TIM won in the bidding even without signing a joint venture (JV).

“The Comelec should have not allowed these two companies to bid because the rift between them only shows that they indeed have no joint venture,” he said.

Smartmatic and TIM earlier said they already signed a partnership agreement, but have yet to apply for incorporation before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
 
They were given until Friday to settle their differences.

Early this week, TIM said they are withdrawing from the consortium. Its decision has put automation of the 2010 polls in peril.

The pulling out issue was allegedly influenced by “prominent personalities” including First Gentleman Mike Arroyo as part of the administration’s efforts to derail the elections.
 
Aside from the backing out concern, the issue about TIM asking P500 million in exchange for its continued cooperation also surfaced.

However, TIM president Jose Mari Antuñez denied the accusations.
 
Meanwhile, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez is disappointed over the actions of individuals questioning the automation contract, noting they are not contributing to the solution to the problem.

“I find it personally very disappointing because now is not the time,” Jimenez said.

He also questioned the timing of the supposed filing of a case against them.
 
“Now is the time to find solutions to this problem and to ensure the cleanliness of the coming elections. What’s happening apparently is that everyone is taking the opportunity to start off another witch hunt,” the poll official said. (FP/Sunnex)