MANILA — The European Union Election Observation Mission has deployed nearly 200 observers for the Philippines' midterm elections, as it sought to assess whether or not the country’s polls are at par with international standards. 

The EU mission, led by chief observer Marta Temido, said their mandate is to assess the electoral process and if it complies with the Philippine Constitution and laws.

A total of 72 observers have already been deployed and over 100 more would come to the Philippines in the next few weeks.

“It is very important to remember that we are not here to validate results or to legitimize the process, we are here to observe, we are here to assess if international standards, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and its laws are respected or not. This is the result of our job, of our work,” said Temido.  

Temido noted that from their assessment—which would be released a few months after the visit—they would come up with suggestions on how to improve the way elections in the country are being conducted.

"It is a process that every election system can develop and learn from others… We are also learning from this mission even if we try to also share,” she said.

When asked what specific areas they want to observe, the EU official said, “everything.”

Deputy Chief Observer Manuel Sanchez De Nogues noted that they would also assess political candidates.

“We [will] observe the campaign, political parties, we will also analyze the… candidates, voter registration and we analyze the complaints… that are filed before the Comelec and the resolutions…. It is a comprehensive observation,” said De Nogues.

De Nogues said the delegation is among the biggest they deployed in a country since observations began in 2000.

The Philippines will hold its midterm elections on May 12.

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