European Union election observers visited Comelec Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Several members of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) visited the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Cebu Provincial Office on Monday, April 21, 2025, as part of their nationwide assessment of the country’s electoral processes in preparation for the upcoming midterm elections.

The delegation met with COMELEC Cebu Provincial Supervisor Atty. Marchel Sarno to observe preparations, assess logistical arrangements, and gather insights on voter education initiatives.

According to Sarno, the visit served as an opportunity to review the country’s electoral framework and its implementation.

“Ilang gitan-aw og tinood ba gud nga transparent atong election, sakto ba ang proseso, acceptable ba sa standards,” said Sarno.

He added that the EU observers also asked about the organizational structure of the provincial election office and its coordination with municipal election officers. Sarno emphasized that the visit was not solely for oversight but also aimed at mutual learning.

According to the EU EOM’s official website, the mission seeks to observe all aspects of the electoral process and evaluate its compliance with Philippine laws and international democratic standards.

The Cebu visit is part of a broader deployment of 72 long-term observers to various regions across the country, which began on April 18.

EU observers clarified that their role is strictly non-interventionist. They do not provide advice or assistance, nor do they legitimize or invalidate election results.

The delegation adheres to the “Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation,” adopted at the United Nations in 2005. They are also bound by a strict Code of Conduct and Ethical Guidelines to ensure neutrality and credibility throughout their mission.

On election day, the EU EOM will monitor key activities, including polling station openings, voting, counting, result tabulation, and the handling of complaints and appeals.

Shortly after the election, the mission will release a preliminary statement outlining its initial findings and conclusions regarding the electoral process. This statement will also include an assessment of how well the elections adhered to democratic principles and the Philippine legal framework.

Sarno stressed that transparency and credibility remain central to the Cebu office’s election preparations.

“Nangutana sila unsay process as election provincial supervisor, unsay among trabaho… as to the relation as mga election officers in municipalities,” he said.

The EU EOM’s final report, which will include its findings and recommendations, is expected to be released approximately two months after the election. It will be made available to Philippine authorities and the public to help support future electoral reforms and improvements. — (FREEMAN)