If you missed the announcement last month of the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC), we are reprinting below a news article at The Filipino Australian:
For those who want to observe the Philippine elections next month, remember the deadline to apply as accredited foreign observers is next week, 15 April.
According to a resolution passed by the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC), applications filed after that day shall not be entertained.
Any foreigner or foreign group or association representing government or private interests can apply as accredited foreign observers.
Accredited foreign observers according to the COMELEC are accorded privileges including the rights to conduct interviews and observe election preparation activities as well as the actual counting of votes.
Application forms for accreditation may be personally filed at the COMELEC Education and Information Department or at overseas Philippine consulate offices whose endorsement is a documentation requirement for the application.
On a personal note, should we apply for accreditation as a foreign observer? What do you think?
a smart move for the GMA government for transparency in the conduct of the elections.
I agree with you Bogz. Let’s hope the new computer system install to be implemented for the first time in the coming elections will not fail.
We have learned that a group of Fil-Ams are in Manila as accredited election observers. We hope to meet up with them and exchange notes.