EU election observers deployed across PH for May 12 polls

The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) is commencing the full deployment of approximately 226 members across the Philippines to monitor the May 12 elections.

A core team of 12 analysts arrived in March, followed by 72 long-term observers in April, and 104 short-term observers who began deployment on May 7.

Marta Temido, a member of the European Parliament, is leading the EU EOM as chief observer.

The mission, comprising observers from EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, was invited by the Philippine government.

The EU EOM aims to assess the entire electoral process against the Philippine Constitution, laws, and international democratic commitments.

Temido stated that the mission's deployment is proceeding smoothly and peacefully, with constant communication maintained with the observers.

A team from the EU-EOM arrived in Isabela City, Basilan to observe the electoral process.

Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon met with EU-EOM team leaders Gonzalo Jorro Martinez and Bambi Badibangova, noting this is the first time the Philippine government has invited the EU to deploy an official election observation team for the NLE.