AES bidder denies problematic stints in Iraq, Congo

THE lone contender for the 2025 automated election system (AES) to be used by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday defended itself against those questioning their stints in the electoral exercises in Iraq and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In a statement, Miru Systems Co Ltd. belied allegations that their performance as AES provider in Iraq and Democratic Republic of the Congo were problematic.

“The allegations of election failures due to Miru’s technology are false, as the company designs, develops, and manufactures secure electoral systems that are of international standard,” said Miru.

It said that no less than the governments of the two nations have expressed their confidence in the systems provided by the South Korean firm.

“The governments of Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been using our machines for several consecutive elections since 2018 and have continued to show trust in our technology even after their administrations and ruling parties have shifted,” it said.

The firm noted how no less than Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani has mentioned that the most recent 2023 elections saw “a notable success” due to the way the elections proceeded in Kirkuk.

Similarly, Miru said the Commission Electorale Nationale Independante in Congo had issued a certification expressing its satisfaction on the equipment that it procured from the company in 2023, including electronic voting devices, ballot accessories, and reconfiguration parts.

The statement was issued days after Democracy Watch warned the Comelec against tapping Miru to be its service provider for the 2025 AES considering its alleged problematic stints in Iraq and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In response, the Comelec said its Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) has the capability to validate claims of the lone bidder for the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project through the post-qualification process.

To note, the Joint Venture of Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. (MIRU-ICS-STCC-CPSTI) was deemed eligible as the