12 November 2024
The proposal to postpone the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) regional elections from May 2025 to May 2026 has sparked deep controversy, raising critical questions about democracy, peace, and governance in one of the Philippines’ most politically sensitive regions. Proponents argue that an extension will strengthen the BARMM’s foundation, while opponents assert that it undermines both the Bangsamoro people’s democratic rights and the region’s fragile peace process. This analysis unpacks the motivations and implications of delaying these elections and ultimately argues that such a postponement is not only unjustified but could destabilize the region further.
The Case Against Postponement: Unconstitutionality and the Sulu Decision
One of the strongest legal arguments against postponing the BARMM elections is its potential unconstitutionality. According to the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and the Climate and Conflict Action (CCAA), the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) mandates that BARMM elections be synchronized with national and local elections, preserving the three-year term of office for BARMM Parliament members. A separate election cycle would disrupt this constitutional alignment, raising questions about the legitimacy of an unscheduled electoral term. This misalignment risks undermining the spirit of autonomy embedded in the BOL by distancing the region’s governance from national election cycles, potentially impacting how BARMM is represented at the national level.
Moreover, proponents of postponement cite the recent Supreme Court ruling that recognizes Sulu’s constitutional right to exclude itself from the BARMM. They argue that this decision necessitates an extension to adjust the region’s parliamentary seats. However, this interpretation may not withstand scrutiny. The Sulu decision, while significant, is not yet final, as the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has filed motions for reconsideration. Until these motions are resolved, any adjustment to parliamentary seats based on Sulu’s exit remains premature, and it may be seen as a convenient pretext to justify a postponement. Opponents of the bill, including House Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), emphasize that deferring elections under such vague pretexts jeopardizes the democratic right of BARMM’s 2.3 million voters.
The Stakes for Peace and Security
Postponing the BARMM elections has far-reaching implications beyond constitutional concerns. The BARMM was established as part of a peace agreement to address long-standing grievances among Bangsamoro communities and to enable self-governance. By delaying elections, the national government risks reviving frustrations and undermining the peace process, signaling to local stakeholders that their right to self-determination is negotiable. Additionally, the deferral could be interpreted as a concession to violent factions within the region, particularly given recent clashes between rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) base commands, which saw a surge in violence in Maguindanao and surrounding provinces. The delay could be seen as acquiescence to militant groups, potentially emboldening them by suggesting that armed resistance can influence political timelines.
The threat of ongoing violence in the region underscores the importance of timely and credible elections. For local communities in Maguindanao and nearby provinces, the core issue is safety and security—a daily struggle worsened by unresolved factional tensions within MILF-aligned forces. For these communities, further postponing elections would not provide stability; rather, it would foster disillusionment and exacerbate local grievances. Ensuring the timely election of accountable leaders who have a direct mandate from their people is a necessary step toward peace, whereas delaying this right may only entrench existing power structures that contribute to violence and insecurity.
Erosion of Public Trust and the Need for Comprehensive Consultation
Public trust in the electoral process and the government’s commitment to BARMM autonomy is critical for long-term peace and stability. The proposal to delay the elections, introduced by high-ranking government officials, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis Escudero, risks being perceived as an attempt to consolidate political influence over BARMM rather than empower it. The lack of meaningful public consultation further intensifies these concerns. According to Rep. Hataman, public consultations in every BARMM province should precede any decision to postpone elections, ensuring that the voices of the Bangsamoro people themselves—not just those of a few stakeholders—inform the decision.
Moreover, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has publicly affirmed its readiness to conduct the elections as planned, refuting arguments that more time is needed for logistical preparations. This assurance highlights that the cited reasons for postponement may lack a compelling justification. By bypassing broader consultation and disregarding COMELEC’s readiness, the proposal risks appearing as an imposed decision rather than a response to the region’s needs, which could erode trust in the government’s role in the peace process.
Upholding the Right to Suffrage in the Face of Institutional Challenges
The postponement of the BARMM elections threatens to undermine the hard-won right of the Bangsamoro people to participate in free and periodic elections. Elections are essential for any democracy, and their delay risks setting a dangerous precedent for a region already marginalized in Philippine politics. As Hataman and LENTE emphasize, the right to suffrage is fundamental to democracy and cannot be infringed upon without a compelling reason. Delaying these elections for reasons as tenuous as bureaucratic efficiency or alleged governance gaps fails to meet the high bar required for such an extraordinary measure.
It is essential that the Filipino government respect the electoral timeline and allow BARMM residents to choose their leaders. This election represents not only a governance milestone but also a pivotal moment in a peace process spanning decades. To delay this election, especially without broad public consensus, would send the wrong message to the Bangsamoro people and the international community, potentially putting years of diplomatic and community-building efforts at risk.
Conclusion: The Need for Transparent Governance and Electoral Integrity
Postponing the BARMM elections risks destabilizing the region by undermining its hard-won autonomy and the people’s right to choose their leaders. Instead of supporting a deferral that may appease certain political factions, Congress and the BTA should prioritize transparent governance and electoral integrity. Upholding the May 2025 election timeline would be an affirmation of the Philippine government’s commitment to democracy, peace, and regional stability. Only by respecting the Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination can the government ensure a sustainable, autonomous BARMM that contributes to the peace and prosperity of the entire nation.
