SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) – The Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel) has deployed an International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) for the national and local elections (NLE) scheduled for Monday, May 12, in this province.
Calixto Aquino Jr., the provincial election supervisor of Sorsogon, said that the Comelec welcomes foreign observers and does not view their presence as a problem.
“As part of our transparency, we welcome the presence of these foreign envoys who will observe the conduct of our midterm elections because they will help boost our polls’ credibility and deter election fraud,” said Aquino.
Two representatives from Anfrel—Laddawan Tantivitayapitak from Thailand and Huberto Senosin, Jr. from the Philippines—visited various offices in the province, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Provincial Social Welfare Office.
Their purpose was to exchange insights regarding the upcoming 2025 NLE in Sorsogon.
According to Tantivitayapitak, the election observation mission aims to evaluate the credibility, inclusivity, and integrity of the Philippine elections impartially and independently, from the campaign period through to post-election developments.
The mission will assess the implementation of Automated Counting Machines (ACM), internet voting, and the Random Manual Audit, she said.
Tantivitayapitak said it will also monitor electoral inclusivity and address key challenges, such as electoral violence, disinformation, and the misuse of state resources.
“Our main focus is ensuring that electoral processes are accessible and inclusive, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as the senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, persons deprived of liberty, and the marginalized groups,” said Tantivitayapitak.
She emphasized that a crucial aspect of the mission is assessing public confidence in the electoral process. This involves ensuring that technological advancements improve transparency and accessibility, while also addressing systemic issues that could undermine the credibility of the results.
PIA Sorsogon Information Center Manager Benilda Recebido shared the information, education, and communication strategies that the agency employs to educate and encourage the public to actively participate in the electoral process.
Various platforms are utilized for voter education, including information caravans, radio programs, and print and broadcast news production.
Additionally, social media and the “Kapihan sa PIA” are important tools. “Kapihan” is a Filipino term that signifies a gathering over coffee, and it serves as a platform for the PIA to bridge the gap between the government and its constituents, with the media acting as a crucial link to gain perspectives on pressing issues.
On May 2, 2025, Anfrel observers were deployed to 10 regions, covering 24 provinces and 32 cities and municipalities across the country.
The IEOM will provide evidence-based recommendations aimed at strengthening electoral policies, enhancing voter inclusion, and supporting democratic reforms for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections in October 2025, as well as for the national and local elections in 2028.
The Anfrel will release its interim report during a press conference in Manila on May 16, 2025, where it will present an early assessment of the electoral process.
A Final comprehensive report will be published in July 2025, offering a thorough analysis of the elections along with evidence-based recommendations to strengthen democratic practices and advance electoral reforms in the Philippines. (PIA5/Sorsogon)
Cover Photo:
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) international election observers who will be deployed in 10 regions covering 24 provinces and 32 cities/municipalities across the country. They will be observing the 2025 national and local elections. (Photo: ANFREL)
