The Philippine Online Chronicles

Even without accreditation from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) will maintain its role as a poll watchdog, said Namfrel National Chairperson Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. during a press conference yesterday morning at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City.

“Namfrel volunteers affirm its role and importance to be a real citizens’ watchdog. Our contributions to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, in the Philippines as well as many parts of the world, have earned us respect from past administrations, and trust from the people,” he said.

“Whether…Comelec accredits us or not, the Namfrel spirit is alive in all of us, and Filipinos expect us to play a significant role in ensuring that the May 2010 elections will be free  fair, and credible.”

Accreditation would allow Namfrel to perform certain functions they would not otherwise be able to do, such as the conducting of a random manual audit. Comelec previously denied accrediting the group because the poll body had already accredited the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as a watchdog.

"There is already duplication of several aspects of the [election] activities. It would be better if they look at what was addressed by PPCRV and what has not yet been addressed. They can do it through there," said Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal.

Cuisia added that that Namfrel is already filing a motion for reconsideration with Comelec, and is willing to take it up with the Supreme Court if they are once again denied. However, he also mentioned that even without accreditation, Namfrel can still “[look] into the whole election process” and “[support] the aspirations of conducting a clean and fair May 2010 election.”

“As we approach the elections with 80 days remaining, we at Namfrel share the anxiety of various groups that have raised concerns on the preparedness of the Comelec, its citizens’ partner, and its subcontractor – Smartmatic/TIM – in conducting a full automated elections,” Cuisia added.

Namfrel’s concerns include the lack of voter’s education about the automated polls, lack of transparency and accountability from Comelec and Smartmatic, the flaws revealed by the poll machines test runs, and the looming power deficit in the Visayas and Mindanao as the May elections approach.