MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is ready for a historic vote, with more than 2.3 million registered voters expected to turn out Monday for the region’s first regular parliamentary elections amid heightened security and final preparations by election officials and government agencies.
Bangsamoro stakeholders expressed confidence that the Sept. 14 elections will be peaceful, orderly and credible as the Commission on Elections (Comelec), security forces, local governments and other agencies completed their preparations for the landmark polls.
The Comelec is targeting a voter turnout of at least 80 percent, citing strong public interest generated by voter education and other preparatory activities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
For Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, a high turnout would demonstrate the Bangsamoro people’s determination to exercise their democratic rights and take part in shaping the region’s political future.
“Each vote is a right and responsibility,” Mangudadatu said, urging voters to choose candidates based on competence, integrity and commitment to public service.
He also appealed to voters and candidates to keep the elections peaceful.
Member of Parliament Naguib Sinarimbo urged the Bangsamoro people to exercise their right to vote.
“To all parties, let us make this election peaceful, democratic and truly reflective of the will of our people. Firearms and violence should have no space in a democratic society,” Naguib said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Comelec and local government units and other agencies coordinated security preparations. The PNP intensified its operations in 108 places identified by the Comelec as areas of concern.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed security agencies to ensure that the BARMM elections are peaceful, orderly and credible.
The Comelec has declared that the electoral machinery is ready, with election materials deployed and automated counting machines subjected to final testing and sealing ahead of Monday’s polls.
Comelec and BARMM officials said that all preparations were designed to ensure that voters can cast their ballots safely and their votes are properly counted. Voters will elect 80 members of parliament.
The landmarks elections will be watched by international observers.
