Murad warns delay in redistricting legislation might reset BARMM polls once more

The previous BARMM interim chief minister says authorized obstacles might invalidate the polls if the BTA fails to move a brand new measure reconfiguring parliamentary districts on time

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Former Bangsamoro Autonomous Area in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) interim chief minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim mentioned he doubts the primary Bangsamoro parliamentary election will proceed on March 30, 2026, warning that the absence of a redistricting legislation would possible derail the area’s political transition.

In an announcement on Tuesday, December 9, Ebrahim, who additionally chairs the Moro Islamic Liberation Entrance (MILF), mentioned authorized obstacles might invalidate the polls if the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) fails to move a brand new measure reconfiguring parliamentary districts on time. A senior BTA official, nonetheless, mentioned the parliament was working to move such a measure earlier than the top of December.

Ebrahim’s warning, issued on behalf of the MILF, got here because the Fee on Elections (Comelec) acknowledged it’s going through uncertainty over the rescheduled vote.

Delays in passing a districting legislation have stalled the fee’s preparations, with Comelec officers saying they can’t finalize poll design, precinct assignments or different logistical plans with out clear laws.

Ebrahim mentioned the Comelec has acted in “good religion” however famous that present timelines are legally untenable. He cited a legislation prohibiting any change to precinct or territorial boundaries inside 120 days earlier than an election.

The MILF urged the BTA to prioritize the measure to guard the integrity of the peace course of by holding the polls on March 30, 2026. 

“We urge the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament to right away move an inexpensive, truthful, and constitutionally compliant districting legislation,” Ebrahim mentioned. He warned that additional delays might undermine the credibility of the primary regional parliamentary authorities.

He mentioned the regional elections needs to be held subsequent 12 months and that stakeholders ought to keep away from a protracted transition.

The MILF mentioned it is able to work with the Comelec, the BARMM authorities, civil society and different sectors to make sure a peaceable and legit course of.

Earlier, Comelec Chairman George Garcia mentioned the fee is ready for a BARMM legislation defining electoral districts, which is required for holding the elections.

“In the mean time, we actually are in a quandary about what’s going to occur in Bangsamoro,” Garcia instructed reporters in a report by Bilyonaryo Information Channel on Tuesday, December 9.

The elections had been initially scheduled for October however had been postponed after the Supreme Courtroom struck down two districting legal guidelines, leaving the area with out a authorized foundation for illustration. The courtroom ordered the BARMM Parliament to draft a brand new legislation that would face up to judicial evaluate, a activity that is still unfinished.

Garcia mentioned the fee is worried that any measure handed after the courtroom’s November 30 deadline might battle with present legal guidelines, significantly if BARMM legislators add provisions past district illustration.

He mentioned the Comelec is assessing whether or not the elections can nonetheless be held on March 30.

“The issue is, if the districting legislation comes later, it could violate our legal guidelines,” Garcia mentioned. – Rappler.com