ANFREL Launches Election Observation Mission for Philippines 2025

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) officially launched its International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) for the 2025 Philippine National and Local Elections, scheduled for May 12, 2025.

The mission formally began on April 27, 2025, and will run through May 17, covering a critical 21-day period across the Philippines.

The Mission Management Team and Electoral Analysts arrived in Quezon City, the headquarters of the mission, to initiate preparations and engage with stakeholders ahead of the observer deployment during the campaign period and on Election Day.

ANFREL’s mission aims to impartially and independently assess the credibility, inclusivity, and integrity of the 2025 elections, covering campaign activities, voting technologies like Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) and internet voting, and post-election developments.

A key focus of the mission will be evaluating the effectiveness of the Random Manual Audit and monitoring electoral issues such as violence, disinformation, and the misuse of state resources.

Another critical aspect is assessing public confidence in the electoral process to ensure that technological advancements bolster transparency and accessibility without undermining the credibility of the results.

ANFREL’s core mission team is led by Chairperson Rohana Nishantha Hettiarachchie as Head of Mission and Executive Director Brizza Rosales as Mission Executive Director.

Dr. Manjesh Rana serves as Mission Coordinator for Electoral Analysts and International Observers, with Ivy Nwe handling Logistics and Operations and John Reiner Antiquerra overseeing Media Relations and Communications.

Shannen Solatan serves as the National Coordinator, supporting the deployment of 10 Long-Term Observers (LTOs) across the country and a Short-Term Observer (STO) team closer to Election Day.

Electoral analysis will be conducted by Jake Bertram Barker and Khoirunnisa Nur Agustyati to ensure comprehensive coverage and insights.

The mission will strictly adhere to international standards, including the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and ANFREL’s Code of Conduct, ensuring neutrality, professionalism, and independence.

The mission is further guided by regional frameworks such as the Bangkok Declaration on Free and Fair Elections (2012), the Bali Commitment (2016), and the Kathmandu Declaration (2023).

Before deployment, ANFREL’s international observers will attend a two-day briefing workshop from April 30 to May 1, designed to equip them with the necessary tools and contextual knowledge for effective monitoring.

On May 2, 2025, ANFREL will release a detailed statement outlining the deployment of Long-Term Observers nationwide.

An Interim Report will be presented at a press conference in Manila on May 16, 2025, offering preliminary findings and observations.

A comprehensive Final Report, including actionable recommendations for strengthening Philippine democracy and electoral reform, will be published in July 2025.

“With this mission, ANFREL reaffirms its commitment to supporting the democratic aspirations of the Filipino people and contributing to the transparency, inclusivity, and integrity of the electoral process,” ANFREL stated.

Founded in 1997, ANFREL promotes democratic elections in Asia through observation missions, capacity building, and advocacy, with 27 member organizations across 18 countries.

ANFREL has conducted 80 international election observation missions, including Philippine missions in 2010, 2016, and an expert mission in 2022 analyzing technical challenges, voter participation, and disinformation.

Its work in the Philippines supports broader regional efforts, informed by key resources like the ANFREL Election Monitoring Handbook and the 2022 Philippine Election Observation Mission Report.