By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA, Philippines — With the European Union still undecided whether it will deploy election observers in the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) polls on September 14, the Asian Network for Free Elections and National Democratic Institute has deployed a 10-member joint Technical Assessment Mission to monitor developments during the campaign period.
This came following an appeal to the international community by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Ahod Balawag ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim for the deployment of election observers to help ensure free, honest, peaceful and credible parliamentary elections in the BARMM.
Ebrahim made the call for the deployment of diplomatic missions to the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Brunei, Spain and Norway.
“The (polls) mark a defining stage in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),” Ebrahim said in his appeal even as he acknowledged the long-standing contributions of foreign partners in mediating conflict, monitoring ceasefires and supporting development across the region.”T
he observers for the September 14 balloting would help prevent cheating and other irregularities and ensure the integrity of the elections,” the MILF chairperson pointed out.
“The MILF recognizes with deep appreciation the indispensable role of international partners in advancing the Bangsamoro peace process through mediation, peace monitoring, normalization support, development cooperation and sustained diplomatic engagement,” he added.
Some 2.39 million registered voters across the Bangsamoro region are expected to cast their ballots to elect 80 parliamentary members at 1,186 polling centers in the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections less than a week from now.
The elected officials will replace the appointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, marking the first election in the BARMM since the government and the MILF signed a peace agreement in 2014.
ia/xf
