Rapid Response Technical Election Assessment 2025 Philippines Midterm Elections

IRI’s recent Rapid Response Technical Election Assessment examines the Philippines’ 2025 midterm elections, which occurred during a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic development. The elections were marked by public anxiety over economic hardship, perceived governance failures, intensifying internal divisions, escalating dynastic rivalries, and mounting concerns over foreign interference from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The assessment offers a nonpartisan analysis of how the vote was administered, highlights key advances in transparency, and identifies the systemic challenges that continue to shape political competition. 

While the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) performed commendably and enacted several new reforms, such as online voting, expanded voting hours and locations, and guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), weak political institutions and illicit campaign finance continue to hinder meaningful electoral choice. Yet the emergence of independent, reform-minded candidates offers a hopeful countercurrent. With the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections approaching in October, this moment presents a critical opportunity to promote free and fair elections, support democratic governance and ensure communities in conflict-prone areas have a meaningful voice in shaping their future. 

The technical election assessment coincided with a nationwide poll of the Philippines by IRI’s Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR).