CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will elect their first parliamentary leaders on September 14, marking a major milestone in the region's shift to a parliamentary form of government under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
During a forum in Marawi City last week, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Erwin Garcia said the historic vote will determine the leaders who will shape the future of the Bangsamoro government.
Garcia said the election is more than choosing candidates, describing it as an opportunity for Moro voters to demonstrate their commitment to democratic governance.
"Bakit ba importante ang Bangsamoro parliamentary election? Hindi kaya mas magandang itanong natin sa isang Moro?" Garcia said, emphasizing that the significance of the polls is best understood by the people who will directly shape the region's future.
He urged all eligible voters in BARMM to participate in the elections, saying the outcome will help define the next phase of the region's political transition.
Garcia also said the Comelec continues to prepare for a peaceful, orderly, and credible election on Sept. 14.
The first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections are a key step in implementing the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with BARMM and established a parliamentary system of government.
The remarks came during the signing of a partnership agreement between the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Comelec and other stakeholders supporting an anti-vote-buying campaign in Marawi City.
Marawi City Vice Mayor said public confidence in the electoral process must be built long before election day.
"This foundation cannot be built on election day itself. It is built months and years before," Gandamra said, adding that efforts to prevent vote-buying require cooperation among election officials, civic groups and the public.
