Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Tuesday that preparations for the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections, scheduled for September 14, are proceeding as planned. Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed that the delivery of election materials to relevant towns is expected to be completed during the day.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia detailed the logistical progress, stating, "The deployment of equipment, specifically the ballots, to all municipalities should be completed today." He added that election paraphernalia, including machines and batteries, must reach local Comelec offices. The plan is for teachers to receive the machines by September 11, with final testing and sealing of all machines across the 5,212 precincts in the Bangsamoro region set for September 12.
Garcia had previously mentioned that registered voters would participate in the final testing and sealing of the automated counting machines (ACMs), using real ballots. "We want to observe how the public reacts as 10 voters will cast their ballots using real ballots, even though there is no actual transmission of results. This will verify if the equipment functions correctly in each precinct," he explained. Garcia emphasized that once the machines are distributed to teachers, especially in remote and island municipalities, they will not be returned, as teachers will be responsible for their safekeeping.
In terms of peace and order, Garcia reported that 31 individuals have been arrested for various violations at checkpoints across the region. "There have been no reported election-related incidents other than one; the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard are in full control of the situation across the entire BARMM," he assured.
Garcia also reminded vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, that early voting hours will be implemented on Monday from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. to facilitate early voting. "They can still vote during regular voting hours (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The early voting period is for those who wish to vote early," he said.
Regarding the election positions, a total of 80 parliamentary seats will be filled. Of these, 40 seats will consist of RPPP Representatives, while the remaining 40 will be occupied by 32 elected Parliamentary District Representatives and eight Parliamentary Sectoral Representatives. Garcia cautioned voters against overvoting, as it would result in their votes not being counted. "There are 13 political party positions, but voters will only vote for one, along with one candidate for a parliamentary position," he clarified.
