The email read: “Hi Alek, tomorrow one of the companies in Mexico is filing a lawsuit against Smartmatic and they need to know if Smartmatic Holding (the one registered in the Netherlands) has changed its statement about its activities, where they claim to be engaged in real estate marketing. According to their information, this holding was formed in 2005, but if they haven’t modified it to include the sale and installation of voting equipment, as well as the manufacturing and sale of identification cards, they could be prohibited from offering their services. This is what my friend’s company intends to do, but he just wants to ensure that no changes have been made to their activity statement since 2005. Do you think you can help us with this issue? Once again, thanks for all your help and patience.” Upon reading it, I thought this was an opportunity for Smartmatic to come clean. So, I called the Amsterdam Business Registry and found that Smartmatic has not changed its purpose. According to the records in Amsterdam, the purpose of Smartmatic International Holding B.V. remains “to buy, develop, and manage properties and goods.”
The awarding of the contract to Smartmatic is being challenged in Mexico, almost unanimously: by several companies that participated in the tender, by representatives from the main political parties (PRI, PAN, and PRD), authorities, and by the media, among others. Of particular concern is the finding regarding a possible connection between Smartmatic and the authorities granting the contract, a practice in which Smartmatic has engaged in Venezuela, Chicago, Bolivia, and the Philippines.
Additionally, authorities have postponed the signing of the contract with Smartmatic, set to expire on December 3, until the Comptroller announces its decision. Worse still, Smartmatic’s attempt to limit damage is also under scrutiny. In light of all this, Mexico would do well to send Smartmatic’s packaging back to Venezuela.