Bangsamoro Elections to Proceed as Planned Despite Challenges

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has confirmed the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will take place on October 23. However, the redistribution of parliamentary seats and technical adjustments to voting systems remain points of concern for the upcoming vote.

Legal Mandates and Technical Hurdles

George Garcia, Comelec Chairman, stated the elections must proceed. This is because the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code mandate specific ballot features. These include party photos, logos, and a “none of the above” option. These features necessitate a recalibration of the automated election system.

Garcia acknowledged that eliminating those features would simplify implementation. However, he added that such a move would violate the law’s intent.

“Comelec has no choice but to comply with the law,”

—George Garcia, Comelec Chairman

Furthermore, the Comelec has no authority to redistribute seven parliamentary seats from Sulu. This awaits enabling legislation from the Bangsamoro Parliament. Garcia indicated that preparations must continue despite the delays.

Preparations Underway

To ensure orderly elections, the Comelec coordinates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Municipalities previously under Comelec control due to security issues may be released from that status if peace and order have improved, according to Garcia. Early voting hours for seniors and individuals with disabilities will also continue.

The Comelec expects between 700,000 and 1 million voters in the Bangsamoro region to participate. To enhance transparency, all election results will transmit in real time to Comelec’s transparency servers. They will be accessible to political parties, media, and election watchdogs. The Comelec will also create a real-time monitoring operations center in Cotabato City.

Monthly stakeholder briefings will happen leading up to the election. Transparency and open communication are the goals, Garcia confirmed.

Possible Reopening of Nominee Filing

Comelec is considering reopening the filing period for Regional Parliament Political Parties (RPPPs) nominees. Many parties requested a new window. This is due to recent changes in party membership and nominee eligibility since the original filing last year. Under existing rules, each RPPP must nominate 40 individuals for the elections. This is a critical step, as evidenced by the 77% voter turnout during the 2019 elections. (Official Gazette).

The Comelec will decide on the reopening request in the coming days.