October 22, 2024 – Cotabato City
The Bangsamoro Parliament has passed a resolution requesting the postponement of the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to 2028. The resolution urges both Congress and the Senate to extend the term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) from 2025 to 2028, allowing all stakeholders sufficient time for a “smooth democratic transition” in the region.
Authored by Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Baintan Ampatuan, the resolution was presented by Floor Leader and Committee on Rules Chair Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba. It emphasizes the need for more time to address ongoing legal issues and to prepare voters for the new voting process in the upcoming BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
According to the resolution, extending the transition period will give the region’s political parties greater opportunities to participate fully in the electoral process. Additionally, it will provide more time for educating voters about the new parliamentary voting system, ensuring a well-informed electorate when the elections finally take place.
Bangsamoro lawmakers are hopeful that Congress and the Senate will consider their request favorably. If granted, the extension will offer a crucial window to resolve legal concerns surrounding the planned 2025 elections and ensure a smoother transition for the first-ever BARMM parliamentary elections.
The resolution reflects the commitment of the Bangsamoro Parliament to ensure that the democratic process in the region is conducted fairly, efficiently, and with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.
