The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) disclosed today the venues for the provincial canvass of votes in connection with the August 11, 2008 automated elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez said the canvassing centers in the six ARMM provinces are located in:

• Basilan : Basilan National High School, Barangay Eastside Isabela City
• Sulu : Mindanao State University, Jolo
• Tawi-Tawi : Mindanao State University, Sanga-Sanga Campus, Bongao
• Lanao del Sur : Provincial Capitol Complex, Marawi City
• Shariff Kabunsuan : Cotabato City Polytechnic College, Cotabato City
• Maguindanao : Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall, Provincial Capitol, Shariff Aguak.

“All official election results from the 1,915 voting centers in the ARMM will be brought in these areas for canvassing and consolidation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jimenez reported that all 3,300 electronic voting machines will already be deployed to all the voting centers and precincts in Maguindanao starting today and by August 8, all the machines will be sealed and have their configurations locked at the precinct level. This, he said, will be done in the presence of various COMELEC officials and other stakeholders.

Jimenez also added that the installation of all the transmission facilities in Maguindanao is expected to be completed by Thursday, August 7. ###