The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is encouraging international and local observers to monitor the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on Sept. 14 to help ensure the integrity of the process.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body expects broad participation from election stakeholders.
“If there is the highest concentration of observers, it is in the Bangsamoro. We want to show the whole world that the Bangsamoro elections are different,” Garcia said during a media briefing Monday.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11247, the Commission said it has received manifestations of intent from several government agencies and civil society organizations seeking to observe the elections.
“Election observation is globally recognized as an important mechanism to help ensure the integrity of elections and to build trust in the democratic process,” the resolution said.
The Comelec reminded prospective observers that they must have a bona fide intention to participate and must be free from political, economic, or other conflicts of interest that could affect the impartiality of their observation.
Accredited observers will be granted access to all stages of the electoral process, subject to specific conditions. Applications for accreditation will be accepted until Aug. 15.
Meanwhile, under Resolution No. 11249, the Comelec deputized five state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to assist in voters’ education.
“The Commission finds it necessary to enlist the assistance of SUCs, other government institutions of learning, and other government agencies in the BARMM to broaden the reach and effectiveness of its voter education programs in preparation for the BPE,” the resolution said.
The deputized institutions are Mindanao State University and its affiliates (Marawi Campus, Maguindanao, and Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography), Cotabato State University, Upi Agricultural School, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College, and Basilan State College.
The deputized schools will provide venues, facilities, equipment and logistical support free of charge. (PNA)