Manila: The European Union (EU) has significantly increased its monitoring presence in the Philippines for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections by deploying 104 additional ‘short-term’ observers. This expansion brings the total number of EU election experts in the country to 226.

According to Philippines News Agency, these additional observers will cover all regions, both urban and rural, to supplement the 72 long-term observers who were deployed in mid-April. This strategic move aims to enhance the mission’s presence, reach, and capacity during the election day activities, which include polling, automated counting, and canvassing of results. Chief Observer Marta Temido, who is also a Member of the European Parliament, emphasized the mission’s commitment to contributing to the integrity of the elections without interfering or validating the results.

The EU observers will maintain a mobile presence on election day, visiting various precincts from their opening at 5 a.m. until closing at 7 p.m. Each team is tasked with observing the closing procedures at one polling precinct and remaining there until the counting operations conclude. After each visit, teams will fill out observation forms and report back to the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) headquarters in Manila. Additionally, the teams will evaluate the performance of election technology.

The EU EOM plans to release a preliminary statement on their findings on May 14 in Manila, with a comprehensive final report expected around two months after the elections. This report will include constructive recommendations aimed at enhancing future electoral processes in the Philippines. Temido highlighted that these recommendations will be offered in a spirit of cooperation and partnership, reflecting the EU’s longstanding presence in the country.

Before their deployment, the 104 short-term observers underwent a three-day intensive briefing in Manila, covering the electoral framework, voting and counting procedures, and the current political environment. Additionally, a delegation from the European Parliament, along with 20 accredited members from the diplomatic community of EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, will join the EU EOM in the coming days.