EU election observers in the Philippines will assess the country’s electoral process ahead of the May 12 midterm elections, with nearly 200 delegates deployed by the European Union.
According to the EU Election Observation Mission led by Chief Observer Marta Temido, their mandate is to evaluate the conduct of the elections and determine whether it aligns with the Philippine Constitution and international standards.
A total of 72 observers have already arrived in the country, while more than 100 additional delegates are expected in the coming weeks to complete the mission’s deployment.
Temido emphasized that their presence is not to validate the results or legalize the elections but to observe and assess the electoral environment based on international norms, the Constitution, and Philippine laws.
The EU mission is set to release its official assessment in the months following the election, including recommendations on improving the electoral process in future polls.
Deputy Chief Observer Manuel Sanchez De Nogues stated that their evaluation will also include candidate participation, voter registration, and complaints and rulings handled by the Commission on Elections.
This is one of the largest delegations the EU has deployed to the Philippines since it began observing elections in the country in 2000.