MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to be held on Sept. 14 is the culmination of decades of work to attain peace in the region, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo said.
Lagdameo said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the upcoming elections as the “fruition” of years of peace efforts, underscoring the transition of the Bangsamoro from armed conflict to democratic participation.
“The transformation of the former combatants from armed struggle to participation in open electoral processes underscores the significance of the parliamentary elections in consolidating the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process,” said Lagdameo, quoting the president.
Marcos emphasized that a peaceful and credible election is key to securing long-term stability and building on the gains of the peace process.
With former armed adversaries now competing at the ballot box instead of on the battlefield, the vote serves as a vital test of the region's democratic institutions.
Lagdameo assured the participants of the electoral process that the Commission on Elections, as well as other authorities, is stepping up their efforts to ensure a peaceful election, a milestone in completing the political track of the Bangsamoro peace process.
He noted that the September 14 election gives Bangsamoro voters the power to choose leaders for their new regular parliamentary government, marking the official end of the region’s interim transition.
Just days before the polls, the Comelec conducted voter education campaigns to teach Bangsamoro voters how the parliamentary system works, explain new election rules, and guide them through the voting process. The commission is also resolving routine operational issues as they come up, assuring the public that these final preparations will not disrupt the election schedule.
Additional security forces have been mobilized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other agencies to ensure the protection of voters, candidates, election personnel, and election materials.
Lagdameo said the President has emphasized that a peaceful, orderly and credible elections would help strengthen the foundations of the autonomous region and sustain the gains achieved through the peace process.
