he European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) was left disappointed after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) withdrew an agreement that would allow observers full access to polling precincts “at any time” on Election Day. (via Raymund Antonio | MB)
00:00The commitment, previously signed by the European Union, the Philippine authorities and the COMLEC, was not respected.
00:08This unexpected development prevented our observers to conduct a meaningful observation of voting procedures on election time.
00:17In light of this uncertainty, the mission did not deploy its full team of observers, as originally planned, for the voting.
00:26A limited number of EU observers were able to observe voting in some precincts, but the mission is not in a position to assess the voting process in line with its methodology.
00:39After the close of the pools, the EOM deployed its teams in 92 polling precincts across the country.
00:48In eight of them, on counting phase, the teams were denied access.
00:54During counting, the atmosphere in precincts was calm and conducive to the counting process.
01:00Some precincts experienced difficulties transmitting results, although most of these issues were resolved.
01:07Procedures were generally adhered to, and pool watchers and observers were able to follow the process without obstacles.
01:15Our EOM observed ozone canvassing at municipal and traditional level in 164 centres, and entrance was denied in one.
01:26It was already explained that there was a really, really clear document signed that we are always able to enter all the precincts.
01:38So when this was clear, and this is exactly what I already said in my statement,
01:43we visited Comolec premises just two days prior E-Day, prior elections, and me as a head of EP delegation,
01:55I wanted to communicate really what could be done in order to go around or to find a way out,
02:01because at the end of the day, we are here for the same goal, and this is how to contribute to development of democracy.
02:08And on our really big regret, we were not received by anyone in Comolec, that we could communicate or find a way around.
02:17Afterwards, we also tried to get some additional information via telephone calls and so on and so on.
02:24But we never got in touch with the Mr. President of Comolec, you know.
02:29So I think, as I already stated in my statement, this could be avoided if we would be talking to each other and meeting each other.
02:37So, you know, not having this communication made us impossible to perform as we would like to,
02:45and at the end of the day, we all are having some consequences that, from my perspective, would be available,
02:52sorry, we would not be here if we would be able to talk to each other.
02:56So, you know, always communication is essential, and again, if there will be any kind of problems,
03:02we are always here to understand things, but if you do not have a partner to communicate with, it's difficult.
03:07So, really, we really regret the situation today.
