EU deploys over 200 election observers for May 12 midterms

The European Union (EU) has deployed over 200 election observers for the Philippines' May 12 midterm elections, marking the first time it will do so in more than two decades.

High Representative Kaja Kallas accepted an invitation from the Commission on Elections to deploy the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM), appointing Marta Temido as chief observer who is scheduled to arrive in Manila next week for high-level meetings with stakeholders.

The initial group of 12 experts arrived in Manila at the end of March, and now the full team numbers 72 long-term observers deployed across all regions starting April 16, with another 104 short-term observers joining specifically during vote tallying.

These observers will monitor pre-election or campaign activities as well as election day operations, including voter responses and dispute resolution, maintaining strict neutrality and impartiality throughout their work.

Before being deployed, the 72 long-term observers were briefed on the Philippines' electoral framework and political environment, in addition to the campaign, media, and social media ecosystem.