Joint Statement on the Postponement of AESF-7 in Manila, Philippines
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) announce the postponement of the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum (AESF-7) in Manila, originally scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 April 2026, in light of the declaration of a national energy emergency in the Philippines.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared on Tuesday, 25 March 2026, a state of national energy emergency as the ongoing unrest in the Middle East disrupts oil supply production and transportation” posing a threat to the country’s energy security”.
Under Executive Order No. 110, several measures are in place to mitigate the impact of the crisis, including adopting and implementing energy conservation protocols under Memorandum Circular No. 114 in all government agencies and instrumentalities.
In line with EO No. 110, COMELEC issued Resolution No. 26-0245 which likewise immediately postponed and cancelled several activities demonstrating “sensitivity to the economic hardships and fuel price volatility currently affecting the Filipino people, and in in order to align with national policies on energy conservation, fiscal prudence, and prioritization of essential public services.” Preparations and the conduct of elections, particularly the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) and the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are exempted from these postponements and cancellations.
Together with our partners, the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), COMELEC and ANFREL would like to thank development partners, election management bodies, and all electoral stakeholders across the region for your enthusiastic and heartfelt support for the upcoming AESF-7.
COMELEC and ANFREL are suspending all preparatory activities related to AESF-7. New dates for the Forum will be announced at a more appropriate time, taking into consideration both national conditions and the participation of regional and international stakeholders.
We understand and value the actions being taken to ease the burden of the situation to everyday Filipinos and the people across the globe affected by the crisis. We hope for an immediate resolution of the conflict in the Middle East.