Sen. Richard J. Gordon (Ind.) said Saturday that automating the 2010 elections would be a ‘’game changer’’ in Philippine politics as it would take the country out of the political rut that it has fallen into the past decades.

Gordon also urged automation detractors to stop slowing down efforts to computerize the May 2010 presidential elections to allow for clean, honest and credible electoral exercises next year.

As the father of election modernization in the country and author of Republic Act (RA) 9369 or the amended Automated Elections System Law, Gordon pointed out that former President Corazon Aquino’s death has awakened the people and they are now clamoring for change in Philippine politics.

“With the nation grieving for Cory, Philippine politics must be redeemed in the next elections where we must vote for candidates who possess the transformational values of People Power,” he said.

Gordon stressed that speed would be the operative word in automated elections. It will ensure that the people’s votes will really be counted and their voices will really be heard, he said.

He made the call after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) expressed concern that a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court against the poll automation contract would ensure a return to manual elections in 2010.

“Papaano tayo magkakaroon ng demokrasya kung hindi natin aayusin ang ating pagboto? Why don’t we give automation a chance? Ang mindset kasi natin, hindi pa tayo nagsisimula tinatali na natin ang ating sarili,” he said.