Rappler
It’s the law: Comelec stands by decision to bar foreign observers from precincts
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) affirmed its decision to bar international observers from entering polling precincts, citing provisions under the Omnibus Election Code.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized that the poll body is bound by existing Philippine laws and that the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) was made aware of their limitations.
Garcia stated that foreign observers were allowed to enter precincts only before and after voting hours to prevent insinuations of interference and influence.
The EU EOM had requested to enter polling precincts, but the Comelec en banc denied this request prior to election day.
Photos reportedly showed EU EOM observers disregarding Comelec restrictions and entering voting areas at SM North Edsa.
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