On April 28, 2010, the United States Embassy hosted a comprehensive foreign observer training in preparation for the upcoming Philippine local and national elections.  The session was designed to inform foreign observers of Election Day procedures, and familiarize them with the rules and regulations of Election Day.

The training was open to all foreign observers in the Philippines, and it was well-attended by 161 participants from seventeen countries.  In addition to the foreign observers, members of the NGO community and two Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officials, Commissioner Gregorio Y. Larrazabal and Director of the Election and Barangay Affairs Department, Teofisto Elnas, Jr., also participated in the event. 

At the training, Director Elnas elaborated on the foreign observer guidelines that were released by COMELEC on February 9, 2010, under Resolution No. 8763 (The Guidelines for Accreditation of Foreign Observers in Connection with the May 10, 2010 Automated National and Local Elections).  He explained Election Day procedures – from the opening of polls through the transmission of results and the shutting down of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines – as well as the powers and functions of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) and their appropriate proceedings.  His presentation also covered the qualifications, rights, and regulations of local watchers, including the right to witness, to inform (themselves), to write notes, to take photographs, and to file protests.

According to Ms. Beverly Hagerdon Thakur, Chief of Party of IFES Philippines, foreign observers share the same rights and responsibilities as local watchers.  In her presentation, Ms. Hagerdon Thakur reviewed the responsibilities of foreign observers, and stressed the importance of remaining impartial and politically neutral.  She reminded foreigners that it is unlawful for them to aid a candidate or political party, to influence in any manner the election, to contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign, to enter any polling place without the consent of the Chairman or the BEIs concerned, and to mingle and talk with voters inside any polling place.   She also provided insight into common problems that may be witnessed during the voting process such as intimidation of voters, vote buying, and transmission errors, among others.

After questions were taken by the COMELEC officials and Ms. Hagerdon Thakur, the audience was permitted to view and familiarize themselves with a PCOS machine and sample ballot.  Overall, the training session successfully provided an opportunity for foreign observers to learn, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of Election Day procedures.