BANGSAMORO – The government is actively preparing for the upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) scheduled for 2025. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed the administration’s commitment to ensuring a fair and peaceful electoral process during a recent press conference.
“We really need to assure that the 2025 BARMM elections will be peaceful because it is important to the President. This is the first time we will have the BARMM elections, and we want everything to be okay,” said Galvez.
The government is coordinating with local government units to prevent any incidents of violence or electoral fraud during the elections. Galvez emphasized the need for good relationships between the BARMM government and local government units (LGUs) to ensure a successful electoral process.
While challenges remain, Galvez mentioned ongoing discussions with political leaders and their willingness to cooperate. The focus is on improving the political landscape and establishing a transient competence between the regional BARMM government and LGUs to promote effective localization and normalization.
The government is also committed to completing the decommissioning process of MILF and MNLF combatants before the 2025 elections. However, certain areas in Basilan Province still pose challenges that require prompt action.
Mohagher Iqbal, former Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Panel Chair and current Bangsamoro Minister of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education, expressed his hopes for a smooth and peaceful election process that reflects the true sentiments of the people.
“We are working for that. We want the election to be fair, transparent, and reflect the true sentiment of the people. Right now, we are trying our best to improve the political landscape,” said Minister Iqbal.
The government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process, free from bloodshed and electoral fraud.