Lessons Learned from the 'Sure-Win' Scam Enhancing Election Integrity

Lessons Learned from the Sure-Win Scam Enhancing Election Integrity

As the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prepares to ensure the integrity of the upcoming May elections, it's crucial to reflect on past experiences and draw valuable lessons. One recent case involved at least seven individuals allegedly offering their help to candidates to guarantee victory. Here are five key takeaways from this sure-win scam

Lesson 1 Transparency is Paramount

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized the importance of transparency in election results transmission. The automated system ensures that results are transmitted in real-time and mirrored to the Department of Information and Technology (DIT), making tampering with results extremely difficult.

Lesson 2 Automation Offers Unparalleled Security

Garcia highlighted the robust security features of automated elections, which eliminate human intervention and render manipulation virtually impossible. In contrast, manual systems leave votes vulnerable to tampering during canvassing.

Lesson 3 Insider Threats Must Be Addressed

The Comelec employee involved in this scam had been with the organization for 17 years, serving in the Election Contest and Adjudication Department. This serves as a stark reminder that insider threats can be just as devastating as external ones. The Comelec must continue to monitor its own employees to prevent such incidents.

Lesson 4 Public Awareness is Vital

Garcia appealed to the public and candidates to report any suspicious offers or attempts to manipulate election results. By working together, we can prevent these sure-win scams from undermining the integrity of our elections.

Lesson 5 Continuous Improvement is Essential

As we learn from past experiences, it's essential to continuously invest in technology and strengthen monitoring capabilities to ensure that future elections are free and fair. The Comelec must remain committed to refining its processes to guarantee a secure and transparent electoral system for years to come.

By applying these lessons, we can create a more robust election system, ultimately enhancing the credibility of our democratic process.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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