US Embassy coordinating with Comelec on sending of poll observers

The US Embassy is coordinating with the Commission on Elections on the possible sending of American observers for the coming May national and local elections.

“We are already in discussions with Comelec about being part of any election process and observation program that Comelec hosts. We may indeed see observers from the United States joining as well,” Embassy Charges d’Affaires Heather Variava said at a virtual roundtable on Thursday.

The embassy, Variava added, has received a number of inquiries from some of the leading US organizations about coming to observe the Philippine elections.

“We don’t have details on that yet but we’ve gotten inquiries from some of the leading organizations about coming to observe and of course, we are willing to work with Comelec to participate in whatever program is available,” she said.

GMA News Online has sought Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez on Variava’s remarks but has not replied as of posting time. — Michaela Del Callar/RSJ, GMA News