A Philippine government spokesman Thursday said the government regretted that some foreign observers compared the mid-term elections held in the southern region of Mindanao to that in Afghanistan.

Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said such a comparison was " uncalled for" by some foreigners who stayed in the Philippines only for a few days and who have a lot to learn about Philippine culture, heritage and politics.

"While we welcome foreign observers, we also must recognize their limited exposure to national and local politics in the Philippines," he said.

Bunye was reacting to media reports which quoted foreign observers from the non-government organization, Asia Network of Free Elections (Anfrel), that vote-buying and other irregularities mared the election in Mindanao.

Bunye said that Filipinos "knowing that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are there to help them", actually felt "free to choose who to vote for, and are able to move around with great ease."

The local daily Philippine Daily Inquirer reported Thursday that a team of 21 foreign observers from Anfrel said voting in Mindanao was "manipulated by outsiders" and that "the culture of impunity for election and political crime may fuel calls for an alternative government that could provide justice for the people".

Source: Xinhua