Philippines’ Muslim-majority Bangsamoro region votes for first parliament

Voters in the Philippines' Muslim-majority Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are participating in the region's first parliamentary elections since its establishment in 2019. Nearly 2.4 million registered voters are casting ballots for 80 parliamentary seats, a vote seen as a significant step towards self-governance after years of conflict. The elections, however, were preceded by deadly violence, including a shooting that killed three people and injured 15 in Cotabato City, leading to the city being placed under the control of the Commission on Elections. Additionally, pre-shaded ballots were discovered in Maluso, Basilan, causing delays and necessitating ballot reprinting in affected precincts. The parliament will subsequently elect the region's chief minister.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the Philippines is holding its first parliamentary election on September 13, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the region's self-determination struggle and the end of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority's interim government. This election, a culmination of decades of conflict and negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government, will test the commitment of both parties to democratic processes. The vote occurs amidst heightened tensions and internal divisions within the MILF, with concerns about potential unrest, vote-buying, and electoral manipulation. The Philippine government has deployed military forces, increasing fears of conflict and potentially impacting voter turnout. The outcome is crucial for the future of BARMM, a region historically inhabited by a Muslim-majority group seeking greater autonomy.

Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), an autonomous southern Philippine region, are participating in its first parliamentary elections on Monday. This historic vote is considered a significant step towards self-determination and peace following decades of conflict. The BARMM encompasses five provinces, three cities, and 63 villages, with nearly 2.4 million registered voters. Election officials are targeting an 80% turnout for the elections, which were previously delayed. Eighty parliamentary seats are up for grabs, comprising representatives from political parties, districts, and specific sectors.