Members of the Compact for Peaceful and Democratic Election (COMPACT) launch the 2016 International Observer Mission(IOM), in an effort to ensure free, peaceful and fair elections in Quezon City, Friday. Fifteen foreign observers will monitor the conduct and outcome of upcoming elections.(MNS photo)
DUMAGUETE CITY (PNA) – The embassies of the United States of America and Australia in Manila have sent some personnel to Negros Oriental to act as observers in Monday’s synchronized polls.
Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, acting provincial election supervisor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), confirmed that the foreign observers have coordinated with him prior to Monday’s elections.
Castillano disclosed he has met with two people from the US Embassy and two others from the Australian Embassy.
The American foreign observers will visit four schools in Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, while the Australian Embassy personnel were scheduled to visit Dauin town and also some schools in Dumaguete, Castillano further disclosed.
As observers, Castillano said they are accredited by the Comelec and have a checklist of what to do.
They don’t meddle, they don’t question the voters and before they can enter the voting precinct, they have to ask permission from the BEI, he added.
The Australian Embassy duo were spotted at the Dumaguete City High School in Barangay Calindagan, Dumaguete on Monday morning.
They declined an interview by this reporter but in a casual conversation they expressed appreciation of the “democracy” experienced by the Filipinos and how “passionate” the Filipinos are in exercising their right to suffrage. (PNA)