BOE seeks proper filing of candidates’ finances

The Board of Election will require all candidates running for public offices in November to file accurate financial reports including assets, liabilities and election campaign kitty.

In a joint effort with the Office of Public Auditor, BOE will hold a financial reporting workshop for all candidates next month to educate them on BOE-amended regulations.

BOE Executive Director Greg Sablan said there are changes in existing election rules and policies, which candidates should be aware of particularly on financial reporting.

With the workshop, election candidates and party treasurers will be educated on proper reporting, as well as what to report with regards to the financial status of an individual candidate.

Mr. Sablan said political candidates should be informed of changes in rules and regulations on financial reporting.

OPA representatives were asked to participate to provide extensive briefing on financial campaign reporting. Mr. Sablan said although it will be unfair to hold the candidates back on how to spend their campaign kitty, BOE has to implement strict measures to regulate and impose proper reporting procedures.

The workshop is part of BOE’s stepped up efforts to ensure that the upcoming general election will be orderly and without any problems.

So far, preparations have been going smoothly while needed materials and equipment are expected to be purchased sooner, in time for the November elections.

An agreement with a US-based company for the procurement of two counting machines is now being drafted. US-based Election Software and Systems Corporation was chosen to provide the tabulation machine which will be used in the November polls.

“Once the agreement is sealed, we will immediately have it installed here and training can immediately begin,” said Mr. Sablan.

The $86,000-counting machine is simple to use and can stand alone. The same machine is being used by Palau.

Aside from these, BOE has also instituted major election reforms to prevent possible election problems that may range from absentee voting to other irregularities.

Plans are now being mapped out on the proposed home voting where deputized election officers will be dispatched to areas where registered voters are incapacitated to go out and exercise their rights.

These reforms were 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 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)