The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao held its first parliamentary elections on Monday, with over two million eligible voters choosing 80 seats previously filled by appointees. Voting proceeded under heavy security and amid isolated violence, including a pre-dawn shooting in Cotabato that killed at least three people. Pre-shaded ballots in Basilan prompted a re-vote in one town, and the elections commission took temporary control of law enforcement in Cotabato. Canvassing has begun and final results are pending.
Bangsamoro Holds First Elected Parliament Vote Amid Deadly Cotabato Shooting
Voters across the Philippines' autonomous Muslim region BARMM headed to the polls (Ted ALJIBE)
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) held historic parliamentary elections on Monday, allowing more than two million registered voters to elect 80 representatives for the first time. Officials described voting as largely successful despite isolated violence and logistical issues in parts of the region.
Background
The vote caps a peace process that began in the late 1990s and established BARMM as an autonomous Muslim region in the southern Philippines. The new parliament replaces previously appointed officials and is intended to give greater local control to the Bangsamoro people.
Election Day
More than two million voters were eligible to choose representatives for 80 seats. Authorities had earlier forecast turnout of "at least 80 percent," though officials declined to provide an immediate final turnout figure. Canvassing began Monday evening, and officials said they would release final tallies when available.
"I believe that the Bangsamoro showed today that they are fearless," Philippine elections commission chief George Garcia said before polls closed. "Whether there be shooting or similar troubles, fistfights, it doesn't really matter. They will vote."
Violence and Irregularities
Despite generally orderly scenes at many polling stations — with long queues observed in cities such as Marawi and Cotabato under the watch of security forces — the fragile peace was marred by violence in several locations.
In Cotabato, gunfire erupted outside a polling station at a school shortly before polls opened, killing at least three people and wounding others, police said. Authorities said the clash stemmed from rival factions arguing over who should vote first. Additional casualties were reported in separate incidents, including wounded officers and a man who died after an improvised explosive device he carried detonated.
Election officials also discovered ballots with pre-shaded boxes in a town in Basilan province. That prompted authorities to order a re-vote there on Tuesday to preserve the integrity of the process.
Because of the violence in Cotabato, the elections commission temporarily assumed direct control of law enforcement in the city for the duration of the vote.
Security Measures
Security was significantly tightened across BARMM in the run-up to the election. Officials deployed more than 20,000 security personnel and placed quick-response teams on standby to prevent or contain unrest. Armored vehicles and uniformed officers were visible at many polling centers.
Looking Ahead
Party leaders and voters said a generally peaceful vote would be seen as a milestone for the region's long-running peace efforts. Authorities continued canvassing ballots and pledged to keep security measures in place until final results are certified.
Reporting notes: Figures and descriptions are based on official statements and local reporting on election day.
Help us improve.
