Philippines: Midterm elections to be held May 13

Event

The Philippines will hold midterm elections across the country on Monday, May 13. An estimated 61 million voters are eligible to elect representatives to 18,000 positions in municipal, provincial, and national levels, including 12 seats in the Senate and all 297 seats in the House of Representatives. A heightened security presence is expected during the vote, particularly near polling stations; violence, including security operations and bombings, cannot be ruled out, especially in southern areas of the country.

Context

The vote is seen as a referendum on President Rodrigo Duterte, who is not up for reelection, and could pave way for large-scale governance changes.

Advice

Individuals in the Philippines are advised to monitor the situation, avoid polling stations, prominent government facilities, and any public demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.