Please refer to:
Steven Sim, Executive Secretary, scheekeong@gmail.com, +6012 5907 507

Wednesday, 5 May, 2010 | Penang, Malaysia

The Network of Social Democracy in Asia will be sending delegates to be International Observers in the 2010 Philippines Election.

This election will be the first in the country to employ electronic balloting process. There will be contenders for the seats in the local government, Congress, Senate up to the Presidency. As an estimated 50 million voters prepare to cast their votes throughout the country next week on May 10, there has been serious concern of electoral fraud, violence and intimidation of voters.

The International Observers will be deployed to hotspots or areas with history of political violence, entrenched political families and election cheating. These are, Pampangan, Nueva Ecija, Pasig City, Maguindanao and Negros Occidental. The presence of the International Observers is hoped to be a strong deterrent against the use of violence and fraud.

The Network’s delegation will be led by Executive Secretary, Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong and comprises of delegates who are experienced in election campaigning and monitoring. The names of the delegates are as follow:

1. The Hon’ Charles Santiago, Member of Parliament, Malaysia

2. Mr. David Marshel, Malaysia

3. Ms. Erna Andriyani, Indonesia

4. Mr. Billy Franata, Indonesia

5. Ms. Luduvina Gomes Pinto Fernandes, Timor Leste

The delegates from the Network will be joining 21 other delegates from Europe, USA and other delegations from Asia.

The International Observer Mission is a project of “COMPACT for a Peaceful and Credible Elections” (COMPACT), an independent Philippines election watchdog consisting of 21 civil society organizations with the cooperation of COMELEC, the Philippines Commission on Election.

The Network of Social Democracy in Asia is a group of political parties, pre-party formations, progressive politicians, scholars and activists in the region who share social democratic values and perspectives. Members aim to establish a permanent dialogue to exchange experiences and learning in advocating for reforms along social democratic lines and to encourage democratic and participatory party-building.

More information about the Network can be found in our website at www.socdem.asia

Steven Sim
Executive Secretary
Network of Social Democracy In Asia