The Maguindanao Massacre has undoubtedly cast a shadow on efforts to hold automated elections in Maguindanao. Some people doubt if could be held at all in that province.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez assures elections will be held in Maguindanao. He admits though that it's possible the schedule would be adjusted.

The commission appears to be doing all it can to deliver on its promise of automated elections in 2010. As far as I know, despite all the setbacks that have come along, Comelec has remained focused on its preparations.

Unfortunately, no amount of assurance can stop skeptics from raising doomsday scenarios. Quezon province Representative Danilo Suarez says automation might not cover the whole country and that a failure of election is possible.

The lawmaker says manual voting would be better in certain areas especially those that do not have internet signal, electricity and accessible roads. He plans to suggest a minimum of 40% automation coverage for automated elections to proceed.

I don't know if partial automation could be done. Republic Act 9369 states that automation of the elections be implemented nationwide.

If you want to review the law yourself click here.