Supervisor Manuel Advincula of the Oriental Negros Commission on Elections refuted claims of the "Botong Pinoy" that the proposed full automation of voting will totally eliminate electoral cheating and fraud.

He said it may minimize cheating, but its total eradication will largely depend on the voters.

Advincula said cheating could be in the form of vote-buying, and empty promises, among others. He added that election protests, especially on the precinct level can be expected, even with the automation system.

There will be no pre-proclamation contest, however, because machines cannot rule or decide a pre-proclamation controversy in the automation system, Advincula said.

He added that although automation is a dream of the COMELEC, it will not be realized in this year's election, but maybe in 2010.

"The program is good, but to say it can be done in the May 14 polls, is impossible."

Advincula said lack of funds and material time were cited as reasons for the postponement of poll automation.

However, he said, automated registration will bring about 98 percent accuracy and prevent flying voters.

Advincula, however, said he is not certain if records of voters are credible or not in Mindanao, especially in Sulu, Tawi-tawi, and some areas in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan.

Meanwhile, police provincial director Sr/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said they consider as areas of concern for the elections the towns of Siaton, Zamboanguita, Santa Catalina, and Guihulngan and the city of Canlaon.

More may be added to the list, but he assure that the police is closely monitoring the political climate of the different local government units.

He said he had discussed contingency plans with Advincula in preparation for the elections.

Based on records of past elections, the province was generally, peaceful and orderly, Advincula said.*JG

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