Stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have pledged their support for proposals to reset the region’s first parliamentary elections from May 2025 to May 2026.
The suggestions to delay the BARMM polls by at least one year came on the heels of a Supreme Court’s ruling that excluded the island province of Sulu from the autonomous region.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez emphasized that Sulu remains an integral part of the Bangsamoro peace process despite the exclusion.
“Whether Sulu is part of the BARMM or not, they will always be part of the Bangsamoro peace process,” Galvez said.
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) called for an extension of the transition period until 2028 to address legal and political challenges arising from the exclusion of Sulu.
BTA Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim highlighted the need for more time to resolve key issues and ensure a system of self-governance attuned to the Constitution.
Key figures, including BARMM Deputy Minister Nur-Ainee Tan Lim batted for additional 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 lawyer Randolph Parcasio supported the delay.
Parcasio stressed that a postponement is necessary to sustain peace and development in the region.
He also reaffirmed the MNLF’s support for recommendations that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front would be leading the Bangsamoro government if the elections were delayed.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “BARMM stakeholders back elections postponement to 2026.”
