Comelec to hold random manual audit for Cavite special polls in precincts

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct the random manual audit for the special elections in the seventh district of Cavite inside the precincts, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Tuesday.

"[D]ito po sa eleksyon sa Cavite ngayong darating na February 25...dahil po 'yan ay automated election...ay gagamitin po uli natin ang mga makina na ginamit natin noong 2022, mayroon po tayong random manual audit," Garcia told reporters in a chance interview.

"Ito po ay gagawin mismo sa presinto na mapipili at doon po mismo bibilangin manually ang mga balota upang malaman kung tugma o tama sa bilang ng mga makina," he added.

(Regarding the election in Cavite this February 25, since it will be automated, we will be using the same machines used in the 2022 elections, and we will also conduct random manual audit. This will be held in a chosen precinct.)

A random manual audit checks the performance of vote counting machines (VCMs) and examines ballots to validate accuracy.

The Comelec will hold the special election in Cavite's seventh congressional district on February 25 to fill the seat vacated by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The following candidates are vying for the post:

• Jose Angelito Domingo Aguinaldo (Independent)
• Melencio Loyola De Sagun, Jr. (Independent)
• Crispin Diego Diaz Remulla (National Unity Party)
• Michael Angelo Bautista Santos (Independent)

The seventh congressional district of Cavite covers the municipalities of Amadeo, Indang and Tanza, and the City of Trece Martires. —KBK, GMA Integrated News