The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been issued a certification stating that the automated election system (AES) that will be used in the May 12 national and local elections can operate “properly, securely, and accurately.”

The certification, issued by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), is the last and final component necessary for the full implementation of automated elections, the Comelec said in a statement on Monday.

The TEC approved the use of the AES that includes the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count, Secure Electronic Transmission Services, and the Online Voting and Counting System.

The Comelec said the modernized election system was certified on the basis of the recommendation of Pro V&V, the international certification entity engaged by the poll body as approved by its advisory council.

In a briefing on Monday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said he is hoping that the TEC certification will pacify the critics of the AES.

“I hope we can give this process a chance,” Garcia said.

Still, he reiterated his appeal to stakeholders to be vigilant for the benefit of the voters.

“Let’s continue to observe, criticize until election day, but make sure that our voters will be able to vote,” Garcia said. “Let’s make sure no one is disenfranchised, everyone can vote and all votes will be counted.” (PNA)