Comelec extends accreditation period for political parties, sectoral groups for BARMM polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has moved the deadline for the accreditation of both political parties and sectoral groups wishing to participate in the 2025 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to July 1, 2024. 

In a resolution promulgated Wednesday, the Comelec en banc extended the period for some activities for the Bangsamoro polls including the June 7 deadline for the accreditation. 

“After due deliberation, the Commission En Banc,by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, the Administrative Code of 1987 and other relevant statutes, hereby resolves, to extend the period for the conduct of certain activities in the BARMM,” the Comelec resolution reads. 

Also extended is the period of filing of petitions for registration or accreditation of a coalition in BARMM  from August 15 to August 30.

The deadline for the filing of manifestations of intent to participate in the parliamentary election was set from August 30 to September 30. 

The resolution will take effect two days after its publication in daily newspapers, the poll body added. 

The Comelec recently promulgated Resolution No. 10984 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC). 

Resolution 10987 set the activities related to the first parliamentary elections in the BARMM and the corresponding periods within which to comply.

BGC thanks Comelec

The BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) thanked the Comelec for the extension, describing it as a “triumph both for democracy and equitable representation”. 

“On behalf of the people of the Bangsamoro region, we extend our deepest gratitude to Comelec for extending the accreditation period for political parties and sectoral organizations aspiring to participate in the 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections,” BGC Chairperson and Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan said in a news release.

“This extension is not only a significant administrative decision but a monumental triumph for democracy and equitable representation within BARMM,” he added.

The coalition previously sent a letter to the Comelec requesting the poll body to extend the accreditation deadline, citing the tight schedule on the release of the guidelines for the certification of sectoral organizations in the Bangsamoro region.

“By allowing more sectoral organizations to participate, we ensure that our parliamentary system reflects the true will and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people,” said Tan. 

“Disenfranchisement in any form undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions. It is vital that every eligible voter in BARMM feels their voice can be heard and their vote can make a difference,” he added.

The BGC is composed of the Bangsamoro Peoples Party (BPP), the Al Ittihad-UKB Party, and the Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP) Party. —LDF, GMA Integrated News