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Guam - The last gubernatorial election in 2010 ended with a recount, but could we see the same for Decision 2014? The Gutierrez-Gumataotao campaign's request for a manual audit continues.


Nearly a week from today, the Guam Election Commission is set to certify the results from the general election. But before they can do that, the agency also needs to address a request by the Carl Gutierrez and Gary Gumataotao campaign for a partial recount of the results. "The decision rests with the Commission," said Maria Pangelinan, the GEC's executive director.


Despite incumbents Eddie Calvo and Ray Tenorio receiving close to 10-thousand more votes than their opponents, their campaign chair Joaquin Perez is asking for a manual audit of the results for no less than 10 precincts. The Calvo-Tenorio team won every single one of the 58 precincts. Pangelinan says whether it should be done is up to the commission, adding, "Operation-wise, whether it could be done, and it could be done, yes."


In the letter, Perez cites several reasons including how the tabulators did not meet bid specifications requiring the ability to obtain optical images of the ballots. Pangelinan says the M650 models provided by Election Systems & Software didn't meet those specifications. She adds ES&S did offer a higher, more expensive model, but the machines were sensitive as they are not prone to movement. She adds the two other bidders did not meet other specifications as well.


"But do you think a manual audit after every election is a good idea? Possibly, it's a lot more work and time, but possibly, and what we want to promote is the integrity of the election and if this is one of those, then I totally agree; and two, the more people see that the election are conducted with integrity ,the more voters will invite to come out to participate," she said.


And while she welcomes questions, she does however say they could have also been raised prior to the general election including during a legislative roundtable meeting shortly before Super Tuesday. She noted, "Again, if it promotes the integrity of the election, let it be."


While the GEC is set to meet on November 20 to certify the results, Executive Director Maria Pangelinan says should the commissioners decide to approve the request by Joaquin Perez, there is still some time to conduct the manual audit.