The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) highlighted four problems in the implementation of the 2022 Philippine Election. In a press release in Manila, 11 May 2022, ANFREL conveyed this issue including congratulation on the liveliness of the 2022 Philippine Election, which was generally peaceful.
The first problem is the technical problem and the announcement of the results. ANFREL expressed concern over the failure of at least 1,867 vote counting machines (VCM) or SD cards. This number is higher than the 2016 and 2019 elections. As a result, the queue of voters became very long, even some voters had to spend 12 hours to vote. This issue undermined the perception of voters and other stakeholders about the election results and thus prompted protests.
Second, the election day environment and the voting process. Of all ANFREL observing polling stations, more than half were concerned about the secrecy of the ballots. In addition, wearing masks as part of a health protocol in the context of COVID-19 is more voluntary, not legal. The rest of the distance between voters or officers, many are violated.
Third, the campaign environment. D day of voting that elects all political offices at national and local levels, making the Philippines Election very lively. The other side of this positive thing is the proliferation of campaign props and money politics.
Fourth, election violence. ANFREL found 15 incidents of alleged election violence. The Philippine National Police (PNP) also recorded 16 cases at polling stations. All of this includes 18 people killed in shootings. In addition there were 33 cases of harassment of teachers on polling day.
ANFREL observed 197 constituencies across the Philippines to watch the opening, voting and counting processes. There were 65,831,792 registered voters invited by the General Elections Commission (COMELEC) to cast ballots in 106,174 constituencies. []
