The Bangsamoro Information Office, through its Halalang Bangsamoro campaign, holds its 1st leg of the Forum on the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) on Oct. 10, 2024 in Cotabato City. The forum gathers various leaders and stakeholder representatives from Cotabato City to discuss the salient points of BEC. (Benyamin Ismael/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—To educate the public on the electoral process, candidate qualifications, and voter registration for the upcoming 2025 parliamentary election, the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) launched a comprehensive voter education campaign on the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) on Thursday, Oct. 10, in this city.
Through its Halalang Bangsamoro campaign, BIO gathered key stakeholders from various sectors, including academia, Indigenous Peoples, Ulama, traditional leaders, and representatives from Ministries, Offices, and Agencies (MOAs).
The campaign aimed to equip citizens with a clear understanding of the electoral process.
BIO Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto stressed the importance of educating citizens about the BEC to enable them to fully and effectively participate in the democratic process.
“We want to present salient information about Bangsamoro Electoral Code, allowing all representatives so that we can engage in a meaningful dialogue in shaping democratic process in our region,” Alonto said.
BIO believes that this voter education campaign will play a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation for a fair and inclusive 2025 parliamentary election.
“We hope that we will continue to work together, share awareness in communities so that we can fully understand and embrace the Bangsamoro Electoral Code through forums like this, and we will strengthen the public for a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro. We are one team, one team for Bangsamoro,” he added.
Participants engaged in open dialogue on various election aspects, such as the number of seats, sectoral representation, and the role of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in BARMM. They also discussed concerns about access to information and participation, particularly in remote areas.
Dencio Kapingilan, 45, a representative of the United Dulangan Manobo Non-Moro Indigenous Organization from Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, shared his insights and expressed his gratitude to the Bangsamoro government for educating voters about the parliamentary election.
“This activity is important and very appreciated because we have seen that you are giving importance and rights the representation of Dulangan Manobo, at least we gain ideas about the Bangsamoro Electoral Code and for first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election,” Kapingilan said.
The voter education campaign marks a significant step in the region’s journey toward self-governance. The event showcased the commitment of all stakeholders to building a democratic and inclusive society in BARMM.
A series of similar voter education activities is scheduled to take place throughout the region, including in the island provinces, to ensure wider participation and awareness leading up to the 2025 elections. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
