Comelec Calls on LGUs for Voter Education Campaign in Bangsamoro Region
With the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections officially scheduled for September 14, 2026, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has launched a critical initiative to engage local government units (LGUs) in a comprehensive voter education drive. This effort aims to reach every community within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), ensuring that all eligible voters understand the electoral process.
Urgent Timeline Drives Collaborative Approach
In an interview on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the necessity of this campaign, stating that voter education must extend to all residents, whether in remote hills or urban plains. "It is necessary that our voters understand this matter, whether you are in the hills or in the plains. Therefore, it is the Comelec's obligation to do that," Garcia asserted.
He further appealed for support from governors, mayors, and barangay officials, highlighting the commission's need for assistance due to the compressed preparation timeline. "I hope that other LGUs, such as governors, mayors, barangays, will also help us with this undertaking because the Comelec really needs help," he added.
Preparations Accelerate Amid Tight Schedule
Garcia pointed out that the Comelec faces a very short and tight timetable, with only about five months remaining until Election Day. "Think about it, it's March now, almost April. Technically, the Election Day is only about five months away," he noted, underscoring the urgency of their preparations.
To meet this deadline, the Comelec has already begun drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 12317, which mandates the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on the second Monday of September 2026. Additionally, the registration and accreditation process for Regional Parliamentary Political Parties (RPPPs) and Parliamentary Sectoral Organizations (PSOs) is underway.
Key Milestones in the Election Timeline
The commission has outlined several critical steps in the lead-up to the polls:
- Voter Education Drive: An extensive campaign from April to June across BARMM, facilitated with LGU support.
- Candidate Filings: The filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for parliamentary district representatives is planned to open by mid-April.
- Ballot Preparation: Official ballots are scheduled for printing in July, followed by mandatory verification to ensure accuracy and integrity.
This coordinated effort reflects the Comelec's commitment to a transparent and inclusive electoral process, leveraging local partnerships to overcome logistical challenges and time constraints.
