EU dispatches 200 observers to monitor Philippine midterm elections

The European Union Election Observation Mission has dispatched nearly 200 observers to monitor the Philippines' upcoming midterm elections, amid reports of possible foreign interference.

Led by chief observer Marta Temido, the mission aims to evaluate whether the electoral process aligns with international standards and complies with Philippine laws and the Constitution.

Deputy Chief Observer Manuel Sánchez de Nogués said in a press conference that issues such as election-related violence and foreign interference will be closely monitored.

Temido emphasized that their role is solely to assess adherence to established norms rather than validate election results or legitimize the process, and noted that her team would remain independent and neutral throughout its work across all regions of the country.

The mission plans to release a preliminary statement after the elections with initial findings and will issue a final report several months later offering recommendations for improving future electoral practices based on their comprehensive observations.