For the first time, the European Union (EU) has deployed an official Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the Philippines, with more than 200 observers set to monitor the May 2025 national and local elections.
Deputy Chief Observer Manuel Sanchez de Nogues announced the move during a briefing in Makati City, emphasizing that the deployment follows a formal invitation from the Philippine government.
Starting in March, an initial group of 11 EU observers was stationed in Manila. This week, 72 long-term observers, grouped into 36 teams, will fan out across the country’s 18 regions to cover both urban and rural areas.
An additional 104 delegates will act as short-term observers closer to election day, while another 100 observers — including members of the EU Parliament and diplomats — will arrive during the actual election week.
“Our team will observe the entire election process, from campaigns to the resolution of disputes. We apply a globally tested methodology used in over 200 missions across 75 countries,” De Nogues said.
He stressed that the EU EOM is an independent, non-interfering body and will issue its official assessment only after the elections conclude.
The final report, including recommendations for improvement, is expected to be released on May 14 — two days after the polls.