Bangsamoro Voter Registration Surpasses 100,000 as Deadline Looms
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has achieved a significant milestone in its electoral preparations, with voter registration applicants exceeding 100,000, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This surge in civic participation highlights the region's engagement ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls.
Regional Breakdown of Registration Figures
Based on the latest Comelec data, a total of 101,519 individuals have registered as voters in BARMM from February 9 to March 24. The breakdown by area reveals Lanao del Sur as the frontrunner with 28,222 applicants, followed closely by Maguindanao del Norte with 21,950 and Maguindanao del Sur with 16,681.
Other regions contributed substantially to the tally: Basilan logged 14,038 applicants, Tawi-Tawi recorded 10,820, and the Special Geographic Area added 9,808. This widespread participation underscores the democratic enthusiasm across the autonomous region.
Projections and Firm Deadline Stance
The Comelec is projecting a total of 150,000 voter registration applicants in BARMM by the end of the period. However, with exactly one week remaining before the voter registration concludes, the poll body has firmly ruled out any extension beyond March 31.
In a phone interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the necessity of adhering to the deadline. "We have to stand firm on the deadline set," Garcia stated, explaining that no adjustments can be made to the election calendar ahead of the September 14 parliamentary polls.
He added, "The remaining period before Election Day is already very tight," highlighting the logistical challenges involved in finalizing the voter list and ensuring a smooth electoral process. This stance aims to maintain the integrity and timeliness of the upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro region.
