There is no denying that artificial intelligence now is integrated in various aspects of elections, particularly in campaigning as there is an increasing use of generative AI in producing campaign materials. While there have been beneficial impacts of using AI in campaigning, from generating materials to language translation helping extend the reach
https://youtube.com/live/l4w47e4ZBx0 The year 2025 was supposed to be a super election year for the Philippines with the national and local midterm elections in May, the first regular Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections in October, and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in December. The BARMM elections and
The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) expresses its disappointment and dismay over the signing by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Republic Act No. 12326 on September 24, 2026 — a law that postpones the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from November 2, 2026 to the second Monday of November
Quezon City, September 22, 2026 — Congress has passed a bill extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from four to five years. The bill amends Republic Act No. 12232, moving the BSKE, originally scheduled for November 2, 2026 to November 2028. We call on President Marcos to veto this
Read the full statement here: "Short-term Observation Statement | Joint ANFREL-NDI Technical Assessment Mission for the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections" Executive Summary The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) congratulate voters for their strong participation in the historic and long-awaited elections for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region
September 15, 2026, Cotabato City - LENTE assesses elections beyond simply considering the number of voting centers opened, the number of ballots cast, and the percentage of the results transmitted; far from ticking these bureaucratic checkboxes, it is vital to ask whether the public has confidence in the process and, later on,
15 September 2026. The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) releases its preliminary assessment of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, held on September 14, 2026, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). NAMFREL has been accredited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as a citizens' arm for the
14 September 2026. As voting is underway for the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections, the joint Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) continues to closely monitor developments across the region through the deployment of international
September 10, 2026, Cotabato City — After several postponements and delays, Bangsamoro voters will finally choose their first elected parliament on 14 September 2026, ending the transition period that began in 2019. With four days left until the 14 September BARMM Parliamentary Elections, the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) calls on all
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are jointly undertaking a Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) for the September 14, 2026 Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines – the region’s first parliamentary elections since the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Opposing House Bill No. 10376: Hold the Line on the November 2, 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) expresses its firm opposition to House Bill No. 10376, filed on August 1, 2026 and formally introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on
Notes unresolved legal questions and accreditation concerns as election period begins The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) continues to monitor the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections, the Bangsamoro people's first opportunity to election their own regional Parliament, as the election period formally opens last 16 July 2026, ahead of the 14 September
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are deploying a joint Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) for the 14 September 2026 First Regular Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines – the region’s first parliamentary elections since the ratification of the Bangsamoro
A HOLLOW VICTORY: Why HB 8389 Falls Short of a Genuine Anti-Political Dynasty Law A Step Forward - But Not Enough The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) acknowledges the historic passage of House Bill No. 8389, or the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, by the House of Representatives. For the first time
From mobilizing hundreds of thousands of citizens on the ground to deploying cutting-edge mobile apps, the evolution of election monitoring tells a powerful story of civic duty matching pace with modern technology. Ahead of the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum (AESF-VII) in Manila, we talked to the National Citizens' Movement for Free
Election day is often seen as the climax of democracy, but for the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), the real work happens in the systems and structures built long before the first ballot is cast. In a recent discussion with LENTE Executive Director Atty. Ona Caritos, the organization outlined the critical
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) announce the postponement of the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum (AESF-7) in Manila, originally scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 April 2026, in light of the declaration of a national energy emergency in the Philippines. Philippine President
https://youtu.be/VHtISTaJdFQ MANILA, Philippines — The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Philippines’ Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially launched the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum (AESF-VII), on Monday, March 23, 2026. “[AESF-VII] aims to bring together representatives to foster collaboration as well as cooperation among our ASEAN neighbors through sharing of
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), in partnership with Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), are co-hosting the 7th Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum (AESF-7) in Manila, Philippines from 21 to
https://www.youtube.com/live/yOo35vMTyFA?si=XwvXbCwYhYQr_aja The Asian Network for Free Elections is hosting a two-part webinar on political rights and movements in Southeast Asia. The first and second parts of the webinar will be on 17 and 24 October 2025, respectively. For the first part, ANFREL executive council member Asiath Rilweena and Professor Duncan McCargo will
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Commission on Elections Technical Working Group (COMELEC TWG) met on 16 September 2025 for the preparations for the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum (AESF-VII). ANFREL and COMELEC TWG worked on finalizing the operational timeline, procurement and convening of working groups to finalize the
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Technical Working Group met on 4 September 2025 to discuss preparations for the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum. ANFREL and the COMELEC TWG for AESF-VII are working on refining the program design and technical and logistical preparations. On 16
https://www.youtube.com/live/dPdDKRnZQvg?feature=shared In a special episode of The Election Observer, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) discusses monitoring social media during the 2025 national and local elections in the Philippines with colleagues and partners from The Carter Center. ANFREL executive director Brizza Rosales, data analyst Olivia Leu and program associate Dan Richardson
DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT: "High Turnout, Low Competition: Resilient Participation in a Constrained Electoral Landscape | 2025 Philippine Elections Final Report" EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) commends the people of the Philippines for their robust participation in the 2025 National and Local Elections on 12 May 2025. These
UPDATE: Due to the inclement weather, we're conducting a hybrid-event for the launch. The in-person event will push through with the live streaming via ANFREL's social media pages. For those who wish to participate via Zoom, please visit this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87344199283?pwd=nYBbcBCtdzbW6c5wjtbDxz4dUhHyOh.1 We wish for everyone's safety! Please take care. The Asian Network
The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) opposes the postponement of the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for December 1, 2025. While Article X, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides Congress the authority to determine the term of office for Barangay and SK officials
In Issue No. 05 of ANFREL's Elections and Technology Reader looks into the implementation of the internet voting for Filipino voters abroad during the 2025 Philippine national and local elections.While not the first time around the world in terms of using internet voting and with the pioneering efforts of the election management
https://youtu.be/yw0LxdqKB4g?t=4928 Stakeholder Exchange starts at 1:22:08 Election civil society groups in the Philippines commended the openness of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to collaborate with various groups in addressing electoral issues in the country, during a stakeholder exchange hosted by the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) on 16 May 2025. ANFREL
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) launched a limited podcast series called "Ano Na?" during its international election observation mission (IEOM) to the 2025 Philippine National and Local Elections. This followed ANFREL's online campaign during the ANFREL IEOM to the 2024 Sri Lankan Parliamentary Elections to promote citizen observer rights and
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 16 May 2025 for the co-hosting of the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum (AESF-VII) in Manila in 2026. After initial discussions, ANFREL and COMELEC officially forged the partnership paving the way