Foreign poll observers note ‘concerns’ on ARMM polls

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign election observers on Thursday said the recent ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) elections was an improvement of previous elections in the region but noted that serious concerns remain. In a news briefing in Makati City, the Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel) commended the Commission on Elections, civil society groups, technology providers and government security forces for their commitment to make the ARMM polls just and free as possible. "In sum, the ARMM elections were generally conducted with less violence. The new system were certainly a welcome improvement over the manual system on previous elections," Anfrel said. Yet despite best efforts, Anfrel still noted several irregularities and anomalies that marred Monday's regional elections. For one, Anfrel said there were insufficient safeguards to reliably identify voters and prevent 'ghost' or multiple voting. By not using indelible ink or demanding IDs from voters, 'ghost' or underaged voters were able to cast vote, the group said. Second, ballot secrecy was not ensured. Election officers or members of the Board of Election Inspectors were also observed to have influenced voters whom to vote for, the group said. The group also said noted the failure of political parties and candidates to adhere to electoral regulations such as transportation of voters from provinces outside the ARMM region to polling places and vote-buying. Also, Anfrel observed that voters who do not fully understand the voting system and needed assistance were "abused." The group said it will present its full report to the Comelec at a still-to-be determined time. - GMANews.TV