The Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC-BARMM) is ramping up preparations for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) first-ever parliamentary elections, set for October 13, 2025.

 

Over 2.3 million registered voters are set to elect 73 of the 80 parliamentary seats in BARMM. The remaining seven seats—originally allocated to Sulu, which was excluded from the region following a Supreme Court ruling—were subsequently reapportioned to other provinces and cities under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 77. However, these seats will not appear on the October 13 ballot, as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has ruled it too late to implement the new redistricting (as of September 2). This means that, as far as the ballots being printed are concerned, the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament remains composed of 40 party representatives, 32 single district representatives, and eight sectoral seats. However, only 25 of the 32 single district seats will be contested in this election.

 

The official 45-day campaign period began on August 28 and will run until October 11. Under COMELEC Resolution No. 11149, several acts are strictly prohibited during this period: candidates, their spouses, and campaign representatives are barred from giving donations; appointing police or confidential agents is disallowed; and hiring new government employees or creating new positions requires COMELEC approval. Government personnel are prohibited from receiving salary increases or additional privileges, and the release of public funds or construction of public works is banned unless exempted by election law. The use of armored vehicles, vessels, or aircraft, and the deployment of police or guards as bodyguards, is also forbidden. Additionally, tampering with or defacing lawful election propaganda is strictly prohibited.

 

Strengthening Monitoring Systems Ahead of October Polls

On July 3, IEMC-BARMM convened in Davao City to assess its operations during the May 2025 national and local elections and to lay the groundwork for October. The gathering brought together election monitors, civil society leaders, media, and regional stakeholders from across BARMM, including representatives from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, the Special Geographic Area (SGA), and the Maguindanao provinces.

 

IEMC is a collaborative initiative led by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Notre Dame University (NDU), Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC), Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA), Coalition for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and new convener Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC). It is officially accredited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as an election monitor for the BARMM Parliamentary Elections.

 

During the July session, convenors reviewed field operations from the May 12 elections, which saw a 77% voter turnout in BARMM—just below the national average of 82%. The assessment highlighted both achievements and persistent challenges, including logistical delays, vote-buying, and intimidation of poll watchers in conflict-prone areas. Despite these issues, IEMC noted the resilience of communities who voted amid threats and disinformation.

 

The meeting also focused on strengthening internal systems, reporting mechanisms, coordination tools, and rapid response protocols. Field teams shared how real-time communication and local partnerships helped mitigate disruptions, especially in remote and high-risk areas. IEMC committed to expanding its monitoring footprint and deepening collaboration with local partners to ensure transparency and security throughout the election period.

 

The session concluded with the finalization of IEMC’s action plan, including timelines and a public engagement campaign. Convenors reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values in a region where elections remain closely tied to peacebuilding and autonomy.

 

Training for Election Observers

From August 31 to September 1, IEMC held a training-of-trainers session in Pasig City. NAMFREL led discussions on the Philippine and BARMM electoral systems and core principles of election observation. COMELEC facilitated sessions on sectoral representation in the Bangsamoro Parliament and demonstrated the Automated Counting Machine (ACM). The training also addressed common irregularities and practical mitigation strategies.

 

CSAT Scales Up Community-Led Electoral Integrity Initiatives

Throughout July and August, the Coalition for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) mobilized its regional chapters to intensify monitoring, education, and advocacy efforts. In partnership with IEMC, CSAT is working to ensure informed citizen participation and safeguard electoral integrity across the region.

 

In Lanao del Sur, CSAT expanded its partnership network to include Mindanao State University’s College of Law and the King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic, and Asian Studies. Its multi-pronged strategy includes province-wide voter education targeting youth, women, and first-time voters, as well as candidate forums to enhance public scrutiny. CSAT aims to deploy at least three volunteer monitors in each of the province’s nine districts.

 

On August 27, CSAT-Lanao and the King Faisal Center convened religious leaders to discuss strengthening moral accountability in the electoral process.

 

In Tawi-Tawi, CSAT volunteers—many of whom participated in the May elections—are intensifying grassroots mobilization. The provincial core team is expanding its 35-member monitoring force and launching an inclusive voter education campaign to reach even the region’s remotest island communities. “Despite limited resources, the passion and volunteerism shown by our monitors are what drive change and shift public mindsets,” said Arlene Sevilla, CSAT provincial lead and chairperson of AMBUH-INA, a civil society organization representing basic sectors in Tawi-Tawi.

 

In Basilan, CSAT convened 19 monitors and civil society leaders to evaluate strategies and strengthen oversight. The team plans to expand its network to at least 40 members and host three major public education forums in August to boost citizen awareness and participation.

 

CSAT is a coalition of 35 civil society, academic, and religious leaders from across BARMM and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Through its COMELEC-recognized partnership with IEMC BARMM & Sulu—and with support from IAG and the Australian Government—CSAT remains at the forefront of community-led efforts to uphold democratic values and foster inclusive, transparent elections.

 

Youth-Led Monitoring and Education in the SGA

On July 25, IAG and NDMC co-hosted a youth-focused forum in Midsayap, spotlighting election monitoring insights and voter education planning for the Special Geographic Area (SGA). Fifty-seven students participated in the session, which featured findings and recommendations from IEMC’s May 2025 monitoring work. Students engaged in collaborative planning targeting municipalities across the SGA.

 

IAG Director for Programs Sheila Algabre emphasized both progress and persistent setbacks from the 2025 midterm elections. She cited gains such as prioritizing vulnerable sectors and implementing ceasefire protocols, but also flagged ongoing concerns around vote buying, fear-driven politics, and weak institutional coordination.

 

Algabre commended NDMC students who served on the frontlines of election monitoring last May and have committed to volunteer again in October.

 

NDMC President Fr. Ramon Maria Bernabe, OMI, underscored the significance of the upcoming vote. “Credible elections ensure that we have leaders who truly represent the interests of people and who will be accountable to the people as well,” he said. He praised the student volunteers as “already the bearers of hope and change here and now.”

 

This initiative builds on a partnership agreement signed on March 8, 2024, between IAG and NDMC—a shared commitment to pooling resources and engaging stakeholders in the SGA. The collaboration promotes rule of law, good governance, and interreligious and intercultural dialogue. In the lead-up to the October elections, voter education and public awareness remain top priorities.