Smartmatic must be replaced as the country’s technology provider in the automated elections before another revolution erupts in the country, President Duterte said.
At the Eid’l Fitr celebration in Davao City Thursday, the President made a pitch for the selection of a new company free of fraud in time for the next polls, warning that some people might revolt if poll irregularities will continue.
“Ang sinabi ko naman diyan sa Smartmatic, even if there is one vote that is wasted hindi maganda ‘yan. It will foment and it will generate…Sabi ko maghanap kayo nang bago na walang palpak ni isang boto,” Duterte said in his remarks. “Kapag mag – may isang Maranao nagsige yawyaw diyan, hindi na magtahimik ‘yan lalo nang madaya,” he added.
Duterte mimicked a Maranao politician threatening to launch a revolt and violence if cheated in the elections. “Nanalo man kami bakit ngayon wala kami sa puwesto? O hindi na pwede ito. Patayan na. Sige mag-revolt ka na lang, Mayor. Magsali kami sa revolutionary government namin,” Duterte said, imitating the accent of a Maranao.
Duterte however said the military is unlikely to allow a revolutionary government in the country. “Eh paano ‘yang mga generals? Hindi naman papayag. Makulong tayong lahat,” he added.
Amid the troubles hounding the automated election system, Duterte suggested praying for the nation instead. He insisted that he believes in God and Allah. “We pray to Allah, it’s the same God. Me, I believe in Allah. I believe in God. So huwag lang nila akong anuhin. Basta ako may Diyos ako and I pray for all especially for my nation,” he said.
The President urged the Commission on Elections to “dispose” of Smartmatic following the reported irregularities in the past automated elections in his visit to Japan last week. He advised the poll body to look for a new technology provider “that is free of fraud.”
The recent elections have been marred by technical glitches, including a seven-hour delay in the release of election results that triggered concerns about their integrity. (Genalyn Kabiling)
