US-based firm to supply BOE counting machines

Drafting of an agreement is now underway to expedite the procurement of two counting machines that will be used during the November general polls, according to the CNMI Board of Elections.

In an interview, BOE Executive Director Greg Sablan said US-based Election Software and Systems Corporation will be providing the tabulation machines.

In the absence of the appropriations from the Legislature for the procurement of the computerized counting machine, the BOE and the Budget and Management Office are working on possible supplemental budget for the said project.

Mr. Sablan explained nine Requests for Procurement had been issued but only ESS forwarded a proposal which was immediately reviewed by the board.

“We only have little time and we are processing the contract now. Once the agreement is sealed, we will immediately have it installed here and training can immediately begin,” said the executive director.

The $86,000-counting machine is simple to use and stand alone. The same tabulation machine is being used by the Palau government, he added.

Mr. Sablan said BOE is on high gear as the election month approaches.

The budget impasse for FY2000 appropriations prevented the Election board to immediately purchase the tabulating machine. Mr. Sablan said with the counting machine, tabulation will be efficient with less margin of error.

The board has also instituted major election reforms to prevent possible problems that may range from absentee voting to other irregularities.

Mr. Sablan also disclosed that plans are being mapped out on proposed home voting where deputized election officers will be dispatched to areas where registered voters are incapacitated to go out and exercise their rights.

Reforms will be strictly implemented to ensure the smoother holding of election. These reforms will be taken from the recommendation of a United States group on how votes are cast in election.

The National Association of Secretaries of States Proposed Voting Reform is composed of 11 items which include aggressive voter-education programs, poll worker recruitment and training, election day rules and procedures to ensure equal treatment of voters, upgrade voting machines, equipment and system, accurate voter registration rolls, and others. (EGA)