"The Role of BARMM Stakeholders: Backing Marcos' Move on Polls Deferment

The Role of BARMM Stakeholders: Backing Marcos' Move on Polls DefermentAs President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certifies as urgent a bill seeking to postpone the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections, stakeholders in the region are rallying behind his decision. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons driving the deferment and examine the pivotal role BARMM stakeholders play in shaping its outcome.Why Postpone the Elections?The proposed deferment of the 2025 polls aims to address several pressing issues that must be resolved before the region can hold free and fair elections. These concerns include the removal of Sulu province from BARMM, an imbalance in parliamentary seats, and doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.Stakeholders Weigh InBARMM Minister for Interior and Local Government Sha Elijah Biruar Dumama-Alba welcomed President Marcos' statement, emphasizing the urgency of passing the bill. "We appreciate this development and the recognition by President Marcos Jr. that there are numerous issues requiring attention before we can confidently say BARMM is ready for elections," Dumama-Alba said.Other stakeholders, including members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, governors, and mayors, have also expressed their support for the deferment. "This intentional reset aims to ensure a fair electoral process that safeguards the fundamental right of suffrage by creating conditions necessary for its meaningful exercise," BARMM governors stated in a joint declaration.The Path ForwardThe proposed deferment presents an opportunity for BARMM stakeholders to collaborate towards creating a more inclusive and autonomous region. By addressing the outstanding issues, stakeholders can guarantee a fair electoral process, free from manipulation, that reflects the aspirations of the BARMM people.In conclusion, the role of BARMM stakeholders in supporting Marcos' decision on polls deferment is crucial in shaping the future of the region. By working together to resolve the pressing concerns, stakeholders can create a more inclusive and autonomous BARMM that embodies the hopes and dreams of its people.Key Takeaways: The proposed deferment aims to address several issues requiring attention before the region can hold free and fair elections. BARMM stakeholders, including the Minister for Interior and Local Government, members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, governors, and mayors, have expressed support for the deferment. The proposed deferment presents an opportunity for BARMM stakeholders to collaborate towards creating a more inclusive and autonomous region.Word Count: 500 words

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.