Bangsamoro vote brings transition to a test of peace
Bangsamoro’s first parliamentary election since 2018 is set to replace its appointed transitional authority amid political divisions, security concerns and allegations of electoral misconduct.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is due to hold its first parliamentary election on Monday, formally ending the transition period under the appointed Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which has governed since 2019.
The vote follows decades of armed conflict and negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government. The 2018 Organic Law granted the region greater fiscal autonomy, a regional government, a parliament and a justice system. The election is intended to establish Bangsamoro’s first elected legislative body.
The contest is unfolding amid divisions within the MILF. Two camps have emerged around Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. Macacua recently joined the Bangsamoro Federalist Party, which is competing against the MILF-linked United Bangsamoro Justice Party.
Macacua’s convoy was attacked last month, although he reportedly survived unharmed. The MILF also reportedly dismissed Macacua and 40 commanders from its military wing over alleged insubordination.
Concerns about the vote extend beyond the party contest. Al Jazeera’s source article cites fears of violence, vote-buying, electoral fraud and intimidation, while some MILF figures have reportedly warned they may fight if they believe the election is manipulated. Philippine military forces have been deployed in key areas before polling.
The reported tensions have raised fears of unrest and low turnout. Whether the election produces a peaceful and representative result will depend on how the competing parties and authorities manage the vote and its aftermath.
