As the nation prepares for the May 12 National and Local Elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially closed the application period for accreditation of election observers under Resolution No. 11121.
With the deadline last April 15 now behind us, only those granted accreditation—whether from local civil society groups, academic institutions, or international missions like the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM)—are allowed to observe the electoral process in an official capacity.
But accreditation is just the beginning. With it comes a clear set of rules that all observers must strictly follow. The said resolution is not only the legal framework governing election observation in the Philippines—it is also a reminder that transparency must always be matched with responsibility.
Comelec recognizes the vital role of both local and international observers in promoting clean, honest, and credible elections. Observers help validate the integrity of the electoral process and provide an independent lens through which the conduct of the polls can be assessed. However, their participation must always be rooted in neutrality. Observers are mandated to remain impartial at all times. They cannot endorse, support, or oppose any candidate, party, or political coalition. Public displays of partisanship—whether through statements, actions, or even social media posts—are strictly prohibited.
Throughout the observation period, which includes the pre-election phase, Election Day, and the post-election canvassing, observers must not interfere with the actual conduct of the polls. Their presence is meant to be non-intrusive. This means they are not allowed to give instructions to electoral board members, assist voters, or engage in any act that could influence the outcome or flow of the election process. Their role is to observe and document, not to participate.
Resolution No. 11121 also outlines the physical boundaries observers must respect. While they may be allowed inside polling places, canvassing centers, and other official election venues, their movement must be coordinated with Comelec officials and local election boards. They must identify themselves properly, wear their observer credentials at all times, and follow security protocols—especially in areas identified as election hotspots.
Observers are also required to submit reports to the Comelec, particularly if they witness any irregularities or incidents that may affect the conduct of the elections. These reports form part of the body of evidence Comelec uses to evaluate the integrity of the polls.
The presence of international observers from countries like the EU Member States, Canada, Norway, United States of America and Switzerland highlights the level of global attention the Philippine elections are receiving. But local observers—often drawn from church groups, people’s organizations, and advocacy networks—play an equally critical role. Their deep understanding of the communities they serve gives them unique insight into local election dynamics and voter experiences.
The Comelec earlier emphasized that observation is a form of civic engagement that helps safeguard democracy. But they also reiterated that accredited observers, regardless of their origin, must act with “utmost discipline and professionalism.”
In the coming weeks, the spotlight will rightly focus on candidates and campaigns. But behind the scenes, hundreds of silent watchers will be doing their part to ensure the process remains fair, peaceful, and credible. Thanks to Resolution No. 11121, the ground rules are clear—and with the cooperation of all observers, the 2025 elections can stand as another strong pillar in the country’s democratic journey.
In the 2022 polls, Comelec has accredited more than 300 foreign observers. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
