Philippines - May 2025

On 12 May, the Philippines held national and local midterm elections, with over 18,000 elective seats available, including local officials, 317 parliamentary representatives and 12 Senate seats. According to preliminary results, the Marcos administration retained its majority in the House of Representatives, securing approximately 104 seats out of 317. In the Senate, however, the Marcos administration secured only 6 out of 12 seats, giving it a slim majority, with opposition allies gaining more seats than anticipated (at least 5). Political analysts note this may affect Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. The Commission on Elections (COMLEC) reported a record midterm poll voter turnout at 82.2 per cent, up from 75.9 per cent in the 2019. This does not account for overseas voters, where turnout rates were slightly lower than the 2019 overseas voter turnout despite the implementation of online voting. Election observers noted that while COMLEC administered the elections effectively, challenges persist related to vote buying, abuse of state resources and occasional instances of violence at the local level. 

Sources: CSIS, BBC News, ANFREL, Rappler, COMLEC, International IDEA, Congress of the Philippines

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported a record voter turnout of 82.2 per cent for the midterm elections, an increase from 75.9 per cent in 2019. This marks the highest turnout rate in the history of the country's midterm elections. Historically, midterm elections have seen lower turnout rates compared to presidential elections, which had a turnout of approximately 83.0 per cent in 2022. Political analysts attribute the increase in voter turnout to a significant rise in youth voters, along with initiatives implemented by COMELEC to enhance voter engagement.

Sources: Rappler, Manilla Bulletin, International IDEA