ALTHOUGH the law postponing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) has been signed, poll watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) yesterday said there is no urgent reason to reschedule it from May 12 to October 13.
In a statement, LENTE said it is opposed to the passage of Republic Act No. 12123, believing it should have been pushed through with the national and local polls.
“LENTE reiterates its opposition to postponing the May 2025 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.”
“None present an urgent, substantial, or compelling basis to postpone the exercise of the fundamental right of suffrage,” it added.
Last Friday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia disclosed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the measure pushing back the BPE.
Despite this, LENTE said delaying the BPE from May 12 to October 13 is better than waiting for the regional polls in 2026.
“A five-month postponement is more reasonable than a one-year delay,” said LENTE.
Given the short period of adjustment, it urged relevant government institutions to quickly address the concerns raised in the postponement of the BPE.
“LENTE urges relevant stakeholders to prioritize the implementation of practical solutions that effectively address these concerns while safeguarding the democratic process,” said the poll watchdog.
It said the Bangsamoro Transition Authority must immediately amend the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024 to distribute the seven seats originally allocated for Sulu via a process that is “consultative, inclusive, and transparent.”
LENTE said the Comelec should reopen the application process for the accreditation of regional political parties and sectoral organizations to ensure they can participate meaningfully in the electoral process.
It also asked the Comelec to ensure that the BPE ballots comply with the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, which provides that the ballot design should feature party logos, candidate photos to ease voting for vulnerable voters, and a “None of the Above” option.
LENTE said the poll body must also issue a detailed voter education roadmap in advance of the new election date in collaboration with political parties, civil society organizations, and other institutions.
It also urged all concerned BARMM ministries to issue clear guidelines for assemblies of sectoral organizations to facilitate free and meaningful participation, protect marginalized groups, and reinforce transparency and accountability in the political process.
The Bangsamoro parliamentary polls will be the first such exercise to be held in the country.
