THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing a 75 percent voter turnout in the first ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) set on October 13.
In an interview in Cotabato City, Comelec chairman George Garcia said they are hoping that a majority of the 2.3 million registered voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) would participate in the polls.
“If only 75 percent of the voters in the Bangsamoro cast their votes, that’s already an accomplishment for us. If we can reach 75 percent or higher, that’s already historic. That can be considered a victory for each and all Moros,” Garcia said.
To achieve the high voter turnout, the poll body yesterday launched
the month-long voters education campaign in the BARMM, which seeks to educate voters about the basic information relating to the parliamentary polls, the system to be used, why will it be held, and how to cast their votes correctly.
“Our purpose is to reduce the percentage of our people, who have no or insufficient knowledge about the October 13 elections,” Garcia said, adding that “we believe that, in a month, we will be able to reduce the number of those who are in doubt, or don’t know whether to vote or not.”
Citing a recent local survey in the Bangsamoro, Garcia said there are over 50 percent of the respondents who said they have zero or do not have knowledge about the BPE.
“That is really worrisome because that may prompt them to opt not to exercise their right to vote,” he said.
Meanwhile, Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, during his visit at Camp Singco in Maguindanao del Norte, home of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, on Tuesday told soldiers to suppress possible threats related to the BARMM polls.
Nafarrete also reminded the troops to remain non-partisan, as he emphasized their crucial role in securing the parliamentary elections.
Apart from the 6th Infantry Division, the other Army units expected to assist in securing the elections are the 1st and 11th infantry divisions.
The election period in the entire BARMM started last August 14 and will run until October 28. In line with the election period, a gun ban is also being implemented in the region.
“Our objective is singular: That is to secure the elections, suppress threats, and maintain peace. To all personnel, remember that we remain non-partisan at all times,” Nafarrete said.
He also enjoined soldiers to exert all efforts to ensure that the elections will be “peaceful, fair and fully compliant with our existing laws and regulations.”
“May this significant event serve as a lasting example for future generations that rivalry can be resolved through democratic means, without harm, without fear, and always in the spirit of peace,” he said.
Nafarrete later accompanied AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr during a visit at Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City, home to the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
Nafarrete served as Westmincom commander before assuming the post of Army chief last July 31.
Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said Nafarrete, during the visit at Camp Navarro, “reiterated his thrust to fully invest in the human capital development of the Army personnel.”
Meanwhile, Brawner urged soldiers to “prepare ourselves for any eventualities” in relation to the BARMM elections, as he underscored the military’s crucial role in ensuring an orderly and peaceful polls in the region. – With Victor Reyes
“We are one of the few institutions trusted by the Filipino people to keep our country stable. We must not be shaken – we should remain solid and professional in fulfilling our duty,” Brawner said. – With Victor Reyes
