Strong Support for BARMM Polls in October
The Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC), a coalition of organizations committed to protecting electoral integrity, has voiced firm support for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as it intensifies preparations for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary election scheduled this October.
During a recent dialogue in Manila, IEMC representatives met with Comelec officials, including Chairman George Garcia and five commissioners, to discuss the readiness and challenges ahead for the region’s first parliamentary elections. The four-word keyphrase “Comelec push for BARMM” was central in their discussions, reflecting the urgency and importance of conducting credible elections.
Comelec Confirms October Election Timeline
Chairman Garcia reassured stakeholders that the elections will proceed as planned in October. He emphasized that all necessary preparations have been completed, with no pending legislative appeals to delay the process. “As of now, there are no pending appeals in the Senate or Congress to reset the elections,” Garcia said, noting that only a Supreme Court restraining order could halt the ongoing preparations.
He further stressed that voters would not be disenfranchised if the elections push through. “So why wait on the status of the seven seats for Sulu when the remaining 73 seats are ready for election?” Garcia asked, highlighting the readiness of most parliamentary seats despite unresolved issues regarding Sulu’s representation.
Addressing the Sulu Parliamentary Seats Issue
The seven parliamentary district seats from Sulu remain a contentious point. The Supreme Court previously ruled that these seats are not part of BARMM, as the majority of Sulu voters did not ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law during the 2019 plebiscite. The regional legislature has yet to reallocate these seats, which has raised concerns about representation.
Nevertheless, the IEMC supports Comelec’s decision to proceed with elections for the 73 remaining seats. Officials reported that even if the Bangsamoro Transition Authority enacts a redistricting and reapportionment law soon, the elections should continue without delay.
IEMC Endorses Proceeding with 73 Seats
In a statement, the IEMC clarified that with Sulu no longer part of BARMM, conducting elections for the other 73 seats does not violate the voting rights of BARMM constituents. They said, “Voting for these 73 seats constitutes a complete and legitimate exercise of suffrage within the region.” This position underscores the coalition’s commitment to upholding democratic processes despite ongoing regional adjustments.
Coalition’s Commitment to Fair Elections
The IEMC consists of eight organizations, including groups focused on autonomy, free elections, social accountability, and responsible voting. Community members noted that the coalition will actively support and coordinate with Comelec and its deputized agencies to implement information, education, and communication campaigns. These efforts aim to ensure that the October polls are peaceful, fair, and credible.
With the election preparations moving full steam ahead, local leaders remain optimistic that the BARMM parliamentary election will mark a significant milestone in the region’s autonomous governance.
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