The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) on Friday expressed hope that energy authorities are set to ensure reliable electricity supply during the May 12 midterm elections, warning that the spate of excessively hot days in recent weeks may affect the country’s power supply and the conduct of polls.
CEED in a discussion paper on the annual summer power shortage identified problems that the heat and power supply issues could bring to the elections, from the ability of teachers and poll watchers to do their jobs, to opportunities for fraud that the lack of electricity would bring.
“When temperatures rise, so does power consumption. And coal and gas power plants – the primary culprit of forced outages in the last five years – also become more vulnerable to unplanned shutdowns. We are worried that in the coming elections, the excessive heat would make it difficult for poll workers to accomplish their tasks, and for voters to vote,” said Gerry Arances, CEED Executive Director.
According to the paper, opportunities for electoral fraud are present at every step of the process from pre- to post-voting.
“Should the Department of Energy fail to secure the country’s power supply for the elections, some of our poll workers might have to work in the dark, facilitating acts such as switching voters, ballots, or voting machines. Even if our voting machines are battery-powered, a blackout before Election Day may cause some of them not to be charged. Fluctuating electricity may also affect the transmission and counting of the votes,” he said.
The paper also shows that the supply of electricity has also been weaponized in other countries when power crises and elections coincide. This is on top of allegations in previous elections that cast doubt on their credibility due to coinciding yellow and red alerts.
“It is a lesson for us that we cannot rely on unreliable fossil fuel sources and must consider alternatives such as renewable energy for our energy needs. Unless this happens, the Philippines will always be gambling with the integrity of future elections,” Arances added.
Benjo Basas, of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, said that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and DOE should ensure that all precincts have enough power supply not to just run the computers, but also to ensure that teachers are able to do their work properly.
“Teachers are the backbone of elections in the Philippines. They will do their job, as they have always done their job, even if the lights go out or even if bullets start flying. However, their effectiveness might be affected by the lack of lights or ventilation, or they may be endangered as violent elements might take advantage of power losses to try and seize or tamper with ballot boxes. The COMELEC and the DOE should make sure every precinct has a backup power supply and measures in place to help teachers do their jobs in peace and comfort,” he said.
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