COMELEC -- Is it Committed to Ensure 2010 Polls?

When Comelec Chairman Jose Melo publicly expressed a no-elections scenario in a media interview, one is tempted to air a word of doubt on the sincerity and resolve of Comelec to hold the 2010 elections. Chairman's Melo untimely disclosure of a nightmarish event that can ensue two months before the holding of the presidential elections smacks of an amateurish attempt to sow doubt in the minds of millions of Filipino voters and would-be voters that the 2010 elections will be held. Right now, throngs of Filipinos all over the archipelago are lining up in their respective precints to register and vote in next year's elections. It is a momentum that has began on May 11 when ABS-CBN launched its Boto Mo I-patrol Mo (BMPM) project to encourage Filipinos to exercise their right of suffrage and participate in the holding of clean elections. Other election watchdogs and private groups followed, including the church, in waking a lethargic citizenry about participating in the coming elections. And now, it looks like Comelec appears unprepared to the daunting task ahead. The first automated polls since the declaration of Philippine independence will be held in 2010. And the poll body, at the outset, is showing a kind of weakness and confusion that only offsets the enthusiasm of the entire Filipino nation about the relevance of the 2010 polls. Instead of negative thinking, Comelec should assure an excited nation that the 2010 elections will push through no matter what. It should complete its bidding procedure right away and pick the winning bidder so that the automated machines can be built and checked and shipped to precints all over the Philippines. Furthermore, Comelec should fully inform the Filipino people about the progress of its work to hold the 2010 polls. It should have a daily press briefing where news and information about the 2010 polls will be relayed to the entire nation. Comelec officials should show to the country that they are in control, are committed and determined to work for the 2010 elections. They should assure the Filipino people that if necessary, they will move heaven and earth in order to ensure that 2010 elections are held.