Libertás, in partnership with the American Bar Association (ABA), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and the USAID conducted a Public Forum entitled “Adjudication of Disputes in an Automated Election System: Lessons Learned from other Jurisdictions on 9 February 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. atBallroom 1, Mandarin Oriental Hall, Makati City
Chairperson Leila De Lima of the Commission on Human Rights delivered the Keynote Address before the audience of around 100 participants, composed mainly of lawyers.
Framing the discussion for the afternoon, Atty. Luie Tito F. Guia, Director for Democratic and Electoral Reforms of Libertás presented the possible adjudication issues under a PCOS automated election system in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, two guests from the United States shared their insights and experiences on the automated elections: Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul H. Anderson and Atty. John Hardin Young. Justice Anderson was one of the magistrates who heard theFranken/Coleman Minnesota Senate recount in 2008. On the other hand, Atty. Young, a leading expert in the promotion of the vote, election contests, disputes and recounts in the United States, represented then Vice President Al Gore in the controversial Gore v. Bush, involving the 2004 U.S. Presidential Elections. Both speakers underscored the importance of preparation, published standards, and voters education, to ensure the success of any election system.
Joining the panel of reactors were Justice Teresita Dy Liacco-Flores and Atty. Ramon Esguerra.
