The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is introducing a new automated vote-counting machine aimed at enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency. But with persistent concerns about election integrity, will these new features be enough to reassure voters and critics alike that the process is truly reliable and tamper-proof?
The new Miru automated counting machines (ACMs), developed by South Korean firm Miru Systems, promise faster processing, more transparency, and robust security measures—yet the question remains whether these improvements can truly erase doubts surrounding election outcomes.
During a media forum on Tuesday, December 17, lawyer Francisco Pobe, the regional director of Comelec Central Visayas, highlighted the key features of these new machines.
Hybrid Voting
The Miru ACMs incorporate a hybrid voting system, combining automated ballot counting with manual verification. While the machines are designed to streamline the process, election boards and watchers will still be able to manually verify the accuracy of votes, ensuring that the system remains transparent and verifiable.
One of the standout improvements is the machines’ processing speed.
The Miru ACMs can handle ballots at a rate of 220 millimeters per second—more than three times faster than the older Smartmatic machines, which operated at 70 millimeters per second. This enhancement not only speeds up the process but also reduces the amount of time voters have to wait.
Additionally, the 2025 election ballots will be made of thinner paper (90 grams per square meter, compared to the 162 GSM used in 2022).
Despite being lighter, the new ballots are designed to prevent ink from bleeding through, ensuring clear and accurate markings. After inserting their ballots into the machine, voters will see a summary of their selected candidates on a screen, giving them the chance to verify their choices.
If a voter has missed any selections (known as an undervote), they will have the option to retrieve and correct the ballot before final submission.
QR Codes
In terms of transparency, the Miru ACMs use QR codes on voter receipts, which can be scanned using the machine’s built-in camera to verify results and ensure they match the physical ballots. While voters cannot take photos of these QR codes to maintain the integrity of the system, the feature ensures that election workers can double-check the validity of each vote.
The Miru ACMs are also equipped with a built-in ballot box and a secure storage compartment for receipts, which guarantees that materials are safely stored throughout the voting process. For overseas voters, the machines include a touchscreen interface to cast ballots digitally, though this feature will be available only in select countries due to logistical challenges in areas with large voter turnouts.
Key Innovation
A key innovation of the new machines is their ability to transmit election results in real time. Unlike previous systems, results will no longer pass through a centralized transparency server. Instead, they will be sent directly to key stakeholders, including political parties, citizen groups, Congress, the media, and COMELEC’s central server. This simultaneous transmission ensures that all parties receive the same data in real time, reducing concerns over manipulation or delays.
To further safeguard the election process, the Miru machines also generate physical copies of votes in the form of ballot images and printed receipts. These physical records will serve as a backup in case of digital breaches, ensuring verification of votes even if the digital system is compromised.
The machines are also equipped with a large 12-inch screen, which displays scanned images of ballots. It allows voters, election boards, and observers to confirm the accuracy of votes visually.
Transition to Miru Systems
This transition to Miru Systems follows the disqualification of Smartmatic, the previous supplier of vote-counting machines, after allegations of bribery and procurement irregularities in 2023.
Miru Systems, which secured the contract with a P17.99 billion deal for 110,000 machines. It offers a slightly cheaper alternative, with each unit costing P149,000 compared to Smartmatic’s P155,000.
Community demonstrations of the new machines are already underway and will continue.
Pobe mentioned that barangays can also request further demonstrations of the machines at no charge. That is to ensure the public remains informed and confident in the new system as the election draws closer.
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