The May 10, 2010 Synchronized Presidential, National and Local Elections present a unique challenge to democracy in the Philippines, and, in particular, its electoral process. The 2007 Automated Election Systems Law (RA 9369) has paved the way for the first nationwide implementation of electronic voting, counting, and results consolidation and transmission.

The 2010 elections will be a litmus test for the COMELEC not only in its capacity to modernize, but also in regard to its continued independence, commitment to electoral reform, and ability to effectively and credibly conduct elections that meet recognized standards of transparency, participation, and accountability.

IFES believes that continued support to the COMELEC and civil society is vital to consolidating the incremental gains achieved to date. Ensuring that upcoming elections proceed credibly and in an atmosphere of public confidence can generate acceptance of the results by all stakeholders and contribute to sustained political stability in the long run.

IFES will continue to engage COMELEC and its network of local civil society organizations in furthering legal reform, voter education, and election monitoring efforts as demonstrated by the success of several pilot projects that IFES has conducted in anticipation of the 2010 election cycle.

Under the STAMP Program, IFES works with the following strategic objectives:

1. Facilitating the credible implementation of automated counting, consolidation, and results reporting processes for the 2010 elections;

2. Advancing COMELEC capacity to professionally manage key aspects of the electoral process in accordance with internationally accepted standards;

3. Consolidating gains in civil society engagement in the 2010 Electoral Process with a special focus on the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); and

4. Strengthen the legal framework and election adjudication procedures.