Bangsamoro region holds first parliamentary elections
A predominantly Muslim region in the southern Philippines held its first parliamentary elections on Monday, a step in a long quest for self-rule following decades of insurgency and violence. The elections were generally peaceful despite scattered violence, according to officials.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was set up under a 2014 peace deal that saw the largest Muslim rebel group give up the goal of a separate Muslim state in exchange for broader autonomy. The group’s 40,000 fighters promised to demobilize and join civilian life.
More than 20,000 soldiers and police forces were deployed for the elections, while troops carrying long arms patrolled roadsides.
As of early Monday, 98.1% of the region’s precincts were able to open, according to the Commission on Elections.
There are 80 seats at stake. The region comprises five provinces, three cities and 63 villages with nearly 2.4 million voters. Election officials said they expected an 80% turnout after polling was postponed for several years.
The region’s chief minister, who heads the executive branch, will be elected by parliament in its first session.
“The elections stand on generations of Bangsamoro struggle for homeland, identity, and self-determination, in the face of dispossession, marginalization, conflict and sacrifice,” Commission on Elections Chairman Erwin Garcia said in an earlier statement.
“Whoever wins, hopefully we will see change in our place,” said Sittie Ashuya L. H. Omar, a 22-year-old voter from Marawi city. “Hopefully they can implement their promises.”
A shooting in Cotabato killed three people and injured 15 late Sunday, prompting the commission to temporarily take over the administration of the city. Police were investigating. Another person was killed Monday in a commotion that broke out in a Cotabato polling center.
In other incidents, the town of Maluso on Basilan Island was put under the commission’s control after pre-shaded ballots were found in 36 out of 68 precincts. Garcia said he immediately ordered the reprinting of ballots while voting will be delayed there. He said those responsible will be held accountable.
