Election observers save democracies

Originally published in Manila Bulletin

In the Philippines, every election day is a test of our democratic resolve. Streets buzz with anticipation, barangay halls fill with voters, and millions take part in the sacred civic ritual of casting a ballot. Yet, behind the color of campaign tarps and the spectacle of political rallies lies a quieter but equally vital force: election observers. Often overlooked, these individuals—both domestic and international—serve as the frontline defenders of electoral integrity. And in today’s fragile democratic climate, we need more of them than ever.

Election observers are not there to cheer for a candidate or sway voters. Their mandate is simple but essential: To bear witness, to document, and to ensure that every vote is counted fairly and freely. In the Philippines, where political dynasties are entrenched and disinformation is now part of the electoral playbook, independent observation offers a counterweight to abuse and opacity. When observers are present, ballots are less likely to be tampered with, intimidation is reduced, and transparency is, quite literally, on display.

We have seen this firsthand. In 2022, during the national and local elections, observer missions—particularly from groups like the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and international monitors from organizations like the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL)—played a critical role in documenting procedural irregularities and promoting public confidence in the outcome. Their presence was not a panacea, but it served as a powerful deterrent against manipulation.

But challenges persist. From vote-buying in far-flung provinces to delayed transmissions from vote-counting machines, election observers in the Philippines often work in high-pressure, even hostile environments. Many are volunteers, under-resourced and overburdened. Worse, there are regions where no observers are deployed at all—leaving entire constituencies vulnerable to electoral fraud.

That is precisely why we must invest more in both domestic and international monitoring. The Commission on Elections should expand its support for independent watchdogs and ensure that observer accreditation is transparent, timely, and inclusive. Civil society groups need funding and training to deploy monitors not only in urban centers but in the most remote parts of the archipelago. And we must welcome, not resist, international observation—because democracy thrives in the light, not in the shadows.

Globally, the erosion of democratic institutions is well underway. Autocratic regimes have learned to manipulate elections—not by banning them, but by rigging them subtly: weaponizing technology, suppressing dissent, flooding social media with propaganda, and creating just enough doubt to delegitimize results. The Philippines is not immune to this trend. Our defense lies not just in laws, but in vigilance—and election observers are the eyes of that vigilance.

In the coming years, as we face increasingly polarized elections and the rising tide of digital disinformation, the role of election observers will become even more critical. They are not just passive witnesses. They are active protectors of the democratic process.

To the young and idealistic, volunteering as an election monitor may not be as glamorous as running for office. But it is no less patriotic. If we are to safeguard democracy, we must recognize that voting is only part of the equation. Watching over that vote—patiently, impartially, and fearlessly—is just as essential.

So let us support them. Let us protect them. And above all, let us make sure they are everywhere they are needed.

Because democracy dies in the dark—and election observers bring the light.