In the Philippines: ARMM Elections - Improved process but serious concerns remain
For further information please contact Mr. Ichal Supriadi, ANFREL Mission Director, at ichal@anfrel.org.
Accredited by the Philippines’ Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) deployed 22 international election observers representing seven Asian countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) to observe regional elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). On election day, 11th August 2008, observers were deployed in all ARMM provinces, including Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabungsuan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. A total number of 443 precincts (polling stations) were observed. The ANFREL observers have been in the Philippines since 1st August 2008. The mission was conducted in the ARMM in partnership with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), 16 Muslim civil society organizations, and the Darul Ifta Assembly of the Philippines, with support from The Asia Foundation and the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency.
The executive summary can be read here. In sum, the ARMM elections were generally conducted with less violence. The new systems were certainly a welcome improvement over the manual system in previous elections. That the COMELEC accredited and welcomed both local and international observers demonstrate an openness to further strengthening Philippines democracy.
