Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Set for october 13th, BTA Extended
The first-ever Bangsamoro parliamentary elections have been rescheduled for October 13th, 2023. This comes after a decision by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to extend its term by four months.
The original election date was set for May 2023, coinciding with the national midterm elections. However, the BTA, citing the need for more time to prepare for the historic polls, requested a postponement. President Ferdinand marcos Jr. later certified a bill postponing the elections as urgent, paving the way for the new date.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was established in 2019 following a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The region’s parliament will be responsible for enacting laws and policies for the region’s 2.4 million residents.
The upcoming elections will see 73 seats contested in the Bangsamoro Parliament. 25 seats will be filled by representatives from parliamentary districts, while the remaining 40 seats will be allocated to regional parliamentary political parties, similar to the party-list system.
This postponement allows for a more complete and inclusive electoral process, ensuring that all eligible voters have ample chance to participate in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro region.
Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections: Setting the Stage for a Historic Vote
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. [Expert Name]. We’re here to discuss the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, now scheduled for October 13th, 2023. Coudl you provide some context for our readers regarding the significance of thes elections?
Dr. [Expert Name]: Certainly. These elections are historic for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). They mark the culmination of years of peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) culminating in the establishment of BARMM in 2019. These elections will see residents of BARMM choose the individuals who will form the first Bangsamoro Parliament, a body tasked with enacting laws and policies for the region’s 2.4 million residents.
Time.news Editor: The elections were originally planned for May 2023, coinciding with the national midterm elections. why has there been a postponement?
Dr. [Expert Name]: The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which has been governing BARMM in a temporary capacity, requested a four-month postponement, citing the need for more time to prepare for these complex and historic elections. The request was subsequently granted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who certified a bill postponing the elections as urgent. This extra time is crucial to ensure a smooth and inclusive electoral process.
Time.news Editor: How will the elections be conducted? Tell us about the structure of the Bangsamoro Parliament.
Dr. [Expert Name]: The Bangsamoro Parliament will comprise 73 seats. 25 seats will be filled by representatives from parliamentary districts, mirroring a familiar model. The remaining 40 seats will be allocated to regional parliamentary political parties, a system similar to the party-list depiction we see nationally. This hybrid approach aims to ensure a balance between representation based on geographical constituencies and representation based on broader political ideologies and platforms.
time.news Editor: what are the implications of these elections for the future of BARMM?
Dr. [Expert Name]: The outcome of these elections will have a profound impact on the future direction of BARMM. The elected Parliament will be responsible for shaping the region’s laws,policies,and development agenda. Their decisions will directly affect the lives of millions of people in BARMM. This is a critical opportunity for the region to chart its own course towards peace, stability, and prosperity.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to eligible voters in BARMM as they prepare for these historic elections?
Dr. [Expert Name]: I encourage all eligible voters in BARMM to participate in these elections. Your vote is your voice,and it is essential for shaping the future of your region.Research the candidates, understand their platforms, and exercise your right to vote. The decisions made in these elections will have a lasting impact on the lives of all Bangsamoro people.