Cotabato city: Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) will be given an opportunity to know more about the Oct. 13 polls. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) set three information campaign activities in the region this month and in September.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the importance of educating the 2.3 million voters in Bangsamoro about the parliamentary elections. He highlighted the need to explain what parliamentary elections entail, the significance of voting, and the roles of the members of parliament. Garcia stated, “We can’t just go to the precinct and vote. They must understand what the process is, the system, so they know who they should vote for.”

The first BPE education campaign will take place in Cotabato City on Aug. 19. Garcia also mentioned that a briefing will be held on the last Friday of August in Zamboanga City for voters in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. In September, Cotabato City will host another session for voters from Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Special Geographic Areas (SGA).

The Comelec chief further explained that the education campaign will include demonstrations on the use of automated counting machines (ACMs) and provide samples of the ballot. Voters will receive guidance on the voting process, including machine operation, ballot changes, and identifying candidate names and political party logos.

A total of 73 BARMM parliamentary seats will be available in the country’s first BPE, marking a significant milestone in the region’s political landscape.