'Software problems' slowing count -- Namfrel
"Software problems" have been slowing down the quick count operations of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), the chairman of the poll watchdog group admitted Tuesday.
"I have to say there have been some software problems," said Go at a press conference.
Go said Namfrel volunteers "had to modify the program" on Tuesday morning. But aside from the software problem, he also admitted an apparent lack of training of volunteers.
Namfrel uses Microsoft Excel, said Go.
"I thought there were people who have perfected the systems already [but] we've never tested the program, [which was] developed by Muntinlupa for the 2004 [presidential] elections," said Go, who assumed Namfrel chairmanship on April 13.
He said the volunteers had to remove the slots for president and vice president slots.
The Namfrel chairman also attributed the slow count to the delayed transmission of data from precincts all over the country.
"They have not transmitted the data as quickly as it happens," said Go, explaining that Namfrel tallies are based on election returns from municipalities.
"We are now shifting to reporting by ERs [election returns] so we make sure it [tally] is clean before we upload," said Go.
Namfrel last released an unofficial, partial tally shortly before lunch, an update of its 9: 40 am tally.
Namfrel is expected to release its latest count around 5 p.m. Tuesday.
