COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro stakeholders are expressing confidence that Monday’s first regular parliamentary elections will be peaceful, orderly, and marked by strong voter turnout.
The confidence comes as the Commission on Elections (Comelec), security agencies, local governments, and other groups complete their final preparations for the September 14 polls.
More than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots to elect the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament. The election marks a major step in the region’s transition from the appointed Bangsamoro Transition Authority to an elected parliamentary government.
Comelec is aiming for at least 80 percent voter turnout, citing strong public interest during its voter-information campaigns and election preparations.Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu urged voters to participate peacefully and choose leaders based on competence, integrity, and commitment to public service.“Ang bawat boto ay karapatan at responsibilidad,” Mangudadatu said, reminding voters that the future of Bangsamoro is in their hands.
Member of Parliament Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo also called on voters to exercise their right and urged political parties and candidates to maintain peace.
He stressed that firearms and violence should have no place in a democratic election.Security preparations have also been strengthened, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Comelec, BARMM government, and local government units working together to protect voters and prevent election-related violence.
The PNP has increased security operations in 108 areas identified by Comelec as areas of concern. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed government agencies to ensure that the elections would be peaceful, orderly, and credible.
Around 8,299 police personnel have been deployed for election security, with additional forces ready if needed.Comelec officials also said election materials have been distributed and vote-counting machines have undergone final testing and sealing.
In Lanao del Sur, all 1,764 automated counting machines had been distributed and were undergoing final testing and sealing. Provincial officials said the province was already 99 percent ready for the elections.Comelec Chairman George Garcia encouraged Bangsamoro voters to take part in the historic polls, saying their voices are important after decades of waiting for the opportunity to participate in the region’s parliamentary government.
Voters will elect 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, composed of 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives, and eight sectoral representatives.The elections will also be monitored by 108 international observers from 16 organizations and delegations in BARMM and nearby areas.
For Bangsamoro stakeholders, the completed preparations, stronger security measures, and expected high voter turnout offer an opportunity to show that the region’s political transition can move forward through peaceful and democratic means.
