Comelec Sets Tight Deadline for Bangsamoro Election Objections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a crucial reminder on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, emphasizing that individuals or groups intending to oppose the accreditation of Regional Parliamentary Political Parties (RPPPs) and Parliamentary Sectoral Organizations (PSOs) for the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) have only a three-day window to submit their formal objections.
Strict Filing Timelines Under Resolution 11205
According to Comelec Resolution 11205, verified opposition or petitions to deny due course must be filed within three days following the final submission dates for registration applications. Specifically, objections against RPPPs must be submitted by March 23, 2026, while those targeting PSOs have until March 26, 2026. A Verified Opposition or Petition to Deny Due Course may be filed within three days from the last day of filing of the Verified Petition for Registration, stated the Comelec in its official announcement.
Registration Procedures for Political Entities
The Comelec outlined detailed registration requirements for political entities participating in the Bangsamoro elections. Regional Parliamentary Political Parties, which must demonstrate support from at least 5,000 registered voters within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), are required to file their applications with the Bangsamoro Registration and Accreditation Committee (BRAC) between March 17 and March 20, 2026.
Parliamentary Sectoral Organizations, on the other hand, have a slightly extended filing period from March 16 to March 23, 2026, and must include the names of their three designated nominees with their applications. Previously denied as well as new RPPPs and PSOs are mandated to file their Verified Petition for Registration, while previously accredited entities must submit a Verified Manifestation in Lieu of Petition for Registration.
Surge in Voter Registration Across BARMM
In a related development, the Comelec reported significant progress in voter registration efforts across the Bangsamoro region. From February 9 to March 16, 2026, a total of 76,942 individuals have applied for voter registration in BARMM, reflecting strong civic engagement ahead of the parliamentary elections.
The breakdown of applicants by area shows Lanao del Sur leading with 20,447 registrants, followed closely by Maguindanao del Norte with 16,514 applicants and Maguindanao del Sur with 11,966. Other regions contributing to the registration surge include Basilan with 10,865 applicants, Tawi-Tawi with 9,326, and the Special Geographic Area with 7,824 registrants.
Ongoing Registration and Future Projections
The voter registration period in BARMM commenced on February 9, 2026, and will continue through March 31, 2026, providing additional opportunities for residents to participate in the democratic process. The Comelec anticipates that approximately 100,000 BARMM residents will ultimately apply to become registered voters, underscoring the importance of these parliamentary elections in shaping the region's political landscape.
This comprehensive update from the Comelec highlights both the procedural deadlines for political accreditation and the encouraging voter registration trends, setting the stage for a closely monitored and participatory Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election.
