Covering the COMPACT-IOM monitoring mission during the 2013 midterm elections, ACF’s political report examines the climate under President Benigno Aquino III and shares field notes from six key areas: Aparri (Cagayan), ARMM, Camarines Sur, Daanbantayan (Cebu), Masbate, and Pampanga. The report notes that the 2013 Philippine midterm elections were mostly peaceful and drew a high voter turnout. It also highlights the deep problems found through the monitoring mission, such as enduring political dynasties in the area, vote-buying, jeopardized vote secrecy, voters missing from lists, and technical issues with the PCOS/VCM machines. The report’s main recommendations call for establishing an anti-dynasty law, improving precinct management and voter assistance, boosting voter education, using backup equipment, and setting clear vote-secrecy protocols.
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