Monday, May 21, 2007 Late Namfrel accreditation to be blamed for slow count By Carlo P. Mallo
THE seeming rushed up preparations for the set-up of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) quick count in this year's elections is behind the very slow count that it is now making.
A lot can be attributed to the late accreditation given by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
According to Jesuit priest, Fr. Albert E. Alejo, Namfrel came knocking "a little too late."
Unlike in the 2004 polls wherein Namfrel coordinated with the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) and proved itself to be the quickcount body that it was, Namfrel Monday is lagging in its oplan quickcount.
During the 2004 polls, Namfrel was able to utilize the computer facility of AdDU and its gymnasium.
In 2004, Namfrel was also able to mobilize a number of the students of AdDU.
Alejo said that it was not that the Ateneo did not want to lend a helping hand, there was simply no time left to prepare for the quick count.
He said that part to blame was the delay in the accreditation by the Comelec.
Since 1986, Namfrel has been the authorized body by Comelec to hold quick counts.
However, this year, Comelec postponed the accreditation of Namfrel, citing the impartiality of Namfrel chair Jose Raul Concepcion.
In another interview, Bong Eliab, Assistant to the President of AdDU, echoed the response of Fr. Bert Alejo.
He said that when Namfrel sought the help of AdDU, it was barely three weeks before the polls.
