Stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) pledged their support for postponing the region’s first parliamentary elections from May 2025 to May 2026.
This decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling that excluded the island province of Sulu from BARMM.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez emphasized that Sulu remains an integral part of the Bangsamoro peace process, despite its exclusion.
“Whether Sulu is part of the BARMM or not, they will always be part of the Bangsamoro peace process,” he stated.
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) requested an extension of the transition period until 2028 to address legal and political challenges arising from Sulu’s exclusion.
BTA Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim highlighted the need for additional time to resolve these issues and ensure a system of self-governance that aligns with the Constitution.
Key figures, including BARMM Deputy Minister Nur-Ainee Tan Lim, have called for more time to educate voters on the election process, emphasizing the importance of informed choices.
Other leaders, such as Deputy BTA Speaker Omar Yasser Sema and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesperson Atty. Randolph Parcasio, supported the delay.
Parcasio stressed that a postponement is necessary to sustain peace and development in the region.
