AUSTRALIA CONGRATULATES PHILIPPINES ON CONDUCT OF 10 MAY ELECTIONS
“Australia congratulates the Philippines on the successful conduct of the country’s first nation-wide automated elections on 10 May,” Ambassador Rod Smith said today.
“The strong voter turnout and participation by volunteers and civil society were a powerful expression of the Philippines’ commitment to democracy.
“While incidences of political violence were deeply regrettable, it was welcome that levels of violence were lower than in past elections.”
Australian Embassy staff participated in a joint Election Visits Program with Indonesia and Japan under the auspices of the Bali Democracy Forum.
The Australian Embassy deployed 16 observers to 12 provinces across the country.
“Australia looks forward to a smooth political transition and to working with the new Administration when it takes office, building on the substantial and positive relations we now enjoy,” Ambassador Smith said.