RP welcomes British poll observers

LONDON – The Philippine embassy here said Tuesday that Filipinos would be given a chance to show the world the country’s commitment to clean, honest and peaceful elections when foreign observers come to the Philippines for the May 10 elections.

Emmanuel Guzman, third secretary and vice consul, said sending foreign observers indicates that Britain values its relationship with the Philippines.

“We welcome this development as an indication of the importance that Britain places on its relationship with the Philippines. Having foreign    observers   for the national elections is an opportunity for the Philippines to show the international community that it is fully committed to conducting dean honest and peaceful polls and that it remains a bastion of democracy in the Asian region,” he said.

In the past, representatives from the European Union have been sent to the Philippines to observe elections that have been marred by violent incidents and allegations of fraud.

In a related development, Philippine Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo said in a statement that they have received 912 completed ballots from overseas absentee voters here.

“In just the first week since absentee voting began last April 10, the UK already surpassed the total number of absentee votes cast in 2007, and is poised to exceed the turnout for the 2004 elections as early as next week,” he said.

For the 2010 elections, more than 8,500 Filipinos in the UK registered for overseas absentee voting, the largest number in Europe. 

During the 2007 elections, there were over 3,000 registered overseas absentee voters.