Manila invites foreign officials to observe polls

Manila: The Philippines government has invited foreign defence officials to observe the conduct of the May 10 election.

Defence Secretary Norberto Gonzales said he is inviting international observers from defence and military establishments around the world to watch how the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducts itself during the election.

A week from now, the country will conduct its first nationwide automated elections and the armed forces is keen to showcase its capability to ensure orderly, credible and peaceful polls.

"I want the whole world to see how our Armed Forces will protect our election which is fundamental to any democracy," Gonzales said.

According to Gonzales, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tasked him to "invite the world" to observe the upcoming election but he wants the international defence community to monitor the behaviour of the armed forces during the election. Having foreign defence observers present during the elections "would be a big challenge and good for the armed forces," he said.

He added having international observers during the elections is crucial because it will forestall any attempts from various quarters in the country to discredit defence and military efforts to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in ensuring honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

Rumours

Earlier, the defence chief placed the armed forces under the full disposal of Comelec.

"As you can see, there is really a proliferation now of groups that seek not simply to watch the conduct of our election, but to really convince our people that our Armed Forces, our police and Comelec cannot be trusted. Well, we will prove them wrong," Gonzales said during a recent forum.

The political atmosphere in the country is rife with rumours that certain quarters are out to sabotage the conduct of the automated elections to create a situation where the armed forces will be compelled to take action to ensure peace and order.

But Gonzales said the defence and police establishment are wary of being drawn into such a situation.

Amid the current confused political environment, fundamental institutions in the country must remain strong and ready to safeguard democracy, he said.