EU election observers detect vote-buying, ballot secrecy failure

Marta Temido, European Union election observation mission, speaks in a press conference in a file photo. Photo from EU-EOM.

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union (EU) election observation mission (EOM) observed instances of vote buying and failure to uphold vote secrecy during Election Day last Monday.

The EOM made the pronouncement during the presentation of the mission’s initial findings on the recently held elections.

READ: Comelec: EU watchers not allowed in polling precincts

“EU observers witnessed several credible indications and received reports of vote-buying through cash and goods, as well as distribution of ayuda (aid),” EOM chief observer Marta Temido said in a press conference, acknowledging that vote-buying was rooted in poverty and lack of benefits.

“Vote-buying remains entrenched and endemic and requires a major engagement to be adequately addressed,” she added.

Head of delegation of the seven Members of the European Parliament Vladimir Prebilič noted that this misuse of state resources through vote-buying “negatively affected the level playing field” among candidates in the elections.

Furthermore, Prebilič also noted how poll staff in voting precincts failed to secure the secrecy of votes in the polling booths, EOM was able to observe.

“We believe that steps should be taken to guarantee this important aspect of the electoral procedures in accordance with international standards,” he said.

Other negative findings

Apart from vote-buying and vote secrecy, the EOM also noted that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution of disputes involving candidacies had no clear deadlines.

“This undermines both the right to an effective remedy and the right to stand for election,” said Temido.

The mission also pointed out how political power in elected offices at all levels remained concentrated in the hands of dynasties which makes elections “less competitive,” with 20 percent of the district races across the country having candidates run unopposed “without any competition and limiting voters’ chance.”

The EOM also noted that the law that provides the legal framework and basis for holding democratic elections in the country—the Omnibus Election Code of 1985—is “outdated.”

“It is widely seen as fragmented, outdated, and in many cases also contradictory, thus undermining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process,” said Prebilič.

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“Electoral rules are disposed through multiple laws and submitted by numerous resolutions that supersede the 1985 election code. This affects the legal certainty of the texts, as it is the case with the provisions on international observation,” Temido said.

Due to this, Prebilič suggested that it may be high time for the government to reform or modernize the Omnibus code for the betterment of the country’s democracy.

Meanwhile, the delegation also found that closing and counting procedures after polling booths had closed “were particularly cumbersome and even difficult for polling staff.”

“The automated counting machines, which during parts of the voting experienced functioning issues, also faced connectivity problems for the transmission of the results,” said Prebilič.

“We urge the Comelec to deal with this matter ahead of the next elections,” he added.

The EOM then also noted that there is no place for violence during the elections, even if the number of election-related violence in the recently held 2025 midterm elections was relatively lower than in previous years.

Positive findings

Despite identifying shortcomings in the conduct of the 2025 midterm elections, the EOM also acknowledged several positive aspects, including Comelec’s preparations for the polls.

“The Comelec ensured the timely preparation of polling machines and the deployment of automated counting machines and ballots … [finding] Comelec’s regional, provincial, city and municipal branches to be experienced and competent,” Temido noted.

“Comelec’s communication efforts with voters were proactive and diverse and, for the first time, included the distribution of personalized voter information sheets to all registered voters. By voting, citizens demonstrated a strong commitment to democracy and civic values,” she added.

READ: EU poll observers disappointed over denial of precinct access

Temido also noted how impressed she was by the voter turnout, and even the number of Filipinos who waited for the results outside their respective precincts.

“For many, election day was a moment to meet neighbors and friends at their barangay and display the strength of civic values and Filipino citizens,” she said.

Prebilič also noted how the general atmosphere during the day of the elections remained “peaceful and calm,” attributing it to Filipinos.

“Based on what we witnessed, the atmosphere on election day was peaceful and calm, and Filipino citizens, in their customary warmth, turned out to vote in truly impressive numbers. They deserve our congratulations,” he said.

He also recognized polling staff in precincts for working hard to ensure that proceedings ran as smoothly as possible despite logistical challenges.

Upon the delivery of the initial findings, the EOM is set to return in two months after the conclusion of the 2025 midterm elections to present their final findings in the country. / MR