Historic BARMM Parliamentary Vote Expected Peaceful Amid Security Push and Logistical Hurdles

On Monday, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will hold its first regular parliamentary election, completing the political track of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement with the MILF after four postponements. About 2.393 million registered voters will choose 80 seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament across 1,186 voting centers, using a mix of party-list, district and sectoral seats. The government has positioned roughly 10,000 police officers and 30,000 soldiers, especially in “red” zones, to curb intimidation, vote-buying and other fraud, though some locals still expect “ulan-ulan” practices.

Election officials faced logistical glitches, including weak internet that delayed final testing of automated counting machines and absentee poll workers replaced by police. The Commission on Elections warned that vigilance must continue after the vote, noting the recent disqualification of the Moro Ako Party for alleged misrepresentation. Monitors also reported a surge in misleading social-media content ahead of the ballot.