Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao 2008
Philippines
On August 11, 2008, the provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) experienced the first completely automated elections ever held in the Philippines. The entire process from voting, tabulation, transmission and tallying was automated.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), following its Technical Committee’s recommendations, decided to implement two types of voting machines in six provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Maguindanao, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi).
The first type uses Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) technology and the second has an Optical Markup Reader (OMR) scanner. The main objective was to analyze how well these automated voting systems function in a complex region, in order to identify the future areas of use in the 2010 elections.
Smartmatic SAHI Technology Inc., a consortium integrated by Smartmatic International Corporation and Strategic Alliance Holdings Incorporated, was hired by COMELEC to supply SAES4000 voting machines with touch screen and DRE technology. COMELEC also engaged Smartmatic SAHI Technology Inc. to ensure the complete and correct execution of the project in the whole region during the elections.
SAES4000, security and reliability
The new SAES4000 voting unit is the most advanced version produced by Smartmatic. This easy to handle, store and transport form factor combines the robust and compact design of previous models with the latest control and security innovations. These are designed specifically to prevent manipulation or tampering of any kind.
Because it has more than 250 security mechanisms, the votes cast by the electors are encrypted for secure storage and transmission. All data is encrypted and protected using different security levels, some of which are more secure than those used in bank transactions on the Internet. It also features redundant memory that avoids any kind of information loss, making it the most secure option available.
SAES4000 has a 10.4" screen designed to facilitate multiple choice electoral processes. It also includes a voting receipt printer to allow the Philippine voters to confirm their selection prior to putting it in the ballot box. Demonstrating the principle that democracy is for everyone, SAES4000 can offer handicapped people special devices such as a remote control, sip and puff, Braille and earphones.
For more information please visit www.armm2008.com.ph
