Lawmakers are pushing for the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections to be held on September 14, 2026, a move aimed at ending the series of delays in BARMM elections and restoring the people's right to choose their representatives.
According to the proposal, the resetting the election date is in response to the four postponements of the schedule from the previous date. It is emphasized that more than seven years have passed since the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, but regular parliamentary elections have still not been held in the region.
It was also stated that the second Monday of September is the earliest and most practical date to ensure proper preparation and participation of voters. COMELEC will be open on this date, and the BARMM stakeholders and the lower house also support the said schedule.
The proposal includes amending the Bangsamoro Organic Law to stipulate that the term of elected members of Parliament is three years, and that subsequent elections will be held every three years. It will also not be held concurrently with the national elections to maintain a clear mandate and continuity of governance in the region.
Overall, the goal of this step is to conduct credible, peaceful, and humane elections that truly represent the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people—a crucial stage for peace, development, and democracy in the BARMM.
