COTABATO CITY — A total of 108 international observers from 16 organizations and delegations will monitor the first parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 14.
Some of the observers arrived Sunday morning, September 13, at Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.Among the groups are the International Republican Institute (IRI), Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), and National Democratic Institute (NDI), along with other international organizations.
The largest delegation is from ANFREL and NDI, with 22 participants. It is followed by the Embassy of Japan with 17 observers.The EU-Coordinated Diplomacy and IRI each have 14 participants.
Meanwhile, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippines/Center for Liberalism and Democracy, Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, and International Jurists Union each sent seven observers.
The delegations will monitor the elections in several areas, including Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, the Special Geographic Area, Marawi City, Lamitan, Isabela, Bongao, and Zamboanga City.Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento said the presence of foreign observers shows the international community’s strong interest in and support for the democratic process in Bangsamoro.
He added that international monitoring could help build public confidence in the elections as Bangsamoro voters choose members of their first regular parliament.The September 14 polls mark a historic step in BARMM’s transition toward a fully elected parliamentary government.
