FOREIGN OBSERVERS. Members of foreign media and representatives of foreign embassies mingle with Filipino voters watching the conduct of the national and local elections on Monday in Carangcang Elementary School in Magarao, Camarines Sur where presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo was casting her vote. Photo by Michael Jaucian, Inquirer Southern Luzon
MAGARAO, Camarines Sur鈥擲everal foreign journalists and observers from different embassies flocked to Carangcang Elementary School in this town to witness the national and local elections on Monday.
They are also in this town to witness presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo cast her vote.
Andrew Leeson, a video journalist of Agence France Presse, said it was his first time covering Philippine polls.
鈥淭he atmosphere is good. It surprised me [that] the voters are organized. They come out to express the will to vote. That is the most important thing,鈥� he said.
He was also impressed with the security preparations in this town, where uniformed personnel are on full alert to protect the voters and ensure peaceful elections.
Meanwhile, observers from different countries are also impressed with the attitude of the people in the polling precincts.
鈥淲e are impressed by the turnout. It seems it is running pretty well. We are happy to be here,鈥� Colin Francis Townson, a representative from the Embassy of Canada, said.