THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) and poll watchdogs yesterday expressed approval to the enactment of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC), which came after an all-inclusive consultation process.
In an interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are satisfied with the outcome of the BEC as passed by the Bangsamoro Parliament last week.
“We are satisfied with the approved and promulgated Code as almost all our comments and suggestions were incorporated therein,” said Garcia.
Garcia was seconded by poll watchdogs National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE).
They said it is a welcome move on the part of the Bangsamoro Parliament to be open to the positions of other groups.
“We acknowledge that consultations were conducted to make the Electoral Code inclusive for all stakeholders,” said NAMFREL.
“We are grateful for the opportunities you have given, allowing us to conduct various consultations in the Region, and allowing us to provide insights and recommendations to the Committee on Rules and to other members of the Parliament,” said LENTE.
Last March 9, the Bangsamoro Parliament approved the BEC in a vote of 64 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.
The BEC shall provide for the structural, functional, and procedural principles of the elections, referenda, and recall proceedings in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
