Manila, Philippines – On September 20, 2024, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement and launched the “Project for Raising Voters’ Awareness and Promoting Digitalization of Electoral Process in Bangsamoro.” The ceremonial signing took place at the Chairman’s Hall, Ground Floor, Palacio del Gobernador Building, Intramuros, Manila.
The event was graced by key figures including COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, COMELEC Commissioner Nelson J. Celis, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, and the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya. Also in attendance were UNDP Philippines Digitalization and Data Analytics Specialist Gianne Karla Gaoiran, COMELEC senior staff, heads of departments and offices, representatives from the UNDP Philippines and the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines, and members of the media.
Project Goals and Objectives
The project aims to enhance voter education and awareness in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by leveraging digital tools and platforms. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure a more transparent, inclusive, and efficient electoral process in the region. By promoting digitalization, the project seeks to address challenges such as voter disenfranchisement and misinformation, which have historically impacted electoral participation in Bangsamoro.
Significance of the Initiative
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia emphasized the importance of the project in fostering a more informed and engaged electorate. “This initiative is a significant step towards empowering the voters of Bangsamoro with the knowledge and tools they need to participate actively in the democratic process,” Garcia stated.
UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran highlighted the role of digitalization in modernizing electoral processes. “Digitalization is key to ensuring that elections are not only fair and transparent but also accessible to all segments of society, including those in remote areas,” Ramachandran noted.
Support from International Partners
The involvement of the Japanese government, represented by Ambassador Endo Kazuya, underscores the international support for the project. Japan’s commitment to promoting democratic governance and development in the Philippines is reflected in its active participation and support for initiatives like this.
Looking Ahead
As the project moves forward, COMELEC and UNDP Philippines will work closely with local stakeholders in Bangsamoro to implement various activities and programs aimed at raising voter awareness and integrating digital solutions into the electoral process. This collaborative effort is expected to pave the way for more robust and participatory elections in the region.
