Poll scare

Automation firms may face legal action for contract breach

If the hullabaloos in the preparation for the country's first-ever automated election are any indication, these simply tell that we are NOT YET ready to implement it.

The bidding process alone almost failed because of lack of qualified bidders. Then when the contract was finally awarded, another hitch happens - this time a squabble among the partners of the chosen supplier. With this trend of events, we can expect more problems to surface as the election period approaches.

Poll automation is not a simple process and we cannot risk a national election in order to get it going. At the least and if ever we are fully ready, we should try it first in a local election (a barangay election for instance) to determine its effectiveness. We cannot afford to rush and just cross our fingers that not a major glitch would happen - especially in a national election.

Consider the consequences if the system would fail and render the national election invalid or highly questionable. The fears of many will happen - the incumbent president will have an extended stay in power.

The readiness of our people to vote in a computerized election is also suspect. It will require a thorough orientation for the voters to understand how the system works. Many Filipinos, particularly old folks and those from the rural areas, still have not acquainted themselves with the computer. More than having the necessary equipment, it is important to make the people comfortable and trusting in using a system.

Ideally, we should be able to conduct an automated election by now. We have the capacity. But the fact remains that we are not prepared enough to realize this.