The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) reported a high voter turnout in over 83 percent of voting centers nationwide as of Monday noon.

"This morning's activities are characterized by a high turnout of voters especially in urban areas, with voters lining up in the hundreds outside many voting centers even before the polls opened for early voting at 5:00 a.m.," the group said.

As in previous elections, NAMFREL noted that much of the time voters spent inside voting centers was dedicated to confirming whether they were on the voter list, locating their precinct numbers, and finding their designated polling places.

NAMFREL observers reported that, in general, the elections have been smooth and peaceful so far. Most polling places opened on time, with no significant delays. Electoral boards, vote-counting machines, and other election paraphernalia were reportedly complete in most areas observed.

Additionally, the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) Electoral Boards (EBs) were described as "well-prepared in general," with observers citing their effective management of the voting process.

Observers confirmed that early voting began on time at 5:00 a.m. However, issues arose in areas with high early turnout. These included overcrowding at Voter Assistance Desks (VADs), holding areas, and hallways, a shortage of chairs for vulnerable voters, and difficulties for VAD assistants and volunteers to meet the demand for assistance.

Despite these challenges, observers emphasized the value of VADs and onsite volunteers in facilitating the voting process. NAMFREL noted the presence of VADs in over 93 percent of the voting centers they monitored.