The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has declared that preparations are complete for the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE), scheduled for Monday, September 14.
COMELEC Chairman George Garcia gave the assurance Saturday during the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines (ACMs) at the Cotabato City Institute in Cotabato City.
“We are 100 percent ready for the election on Monday,” Garcia said.
Garcia also reminded voters to shade the ovals on their ballots properly, warning against using an “X” or simply placing a dot because the voting machines may fail to recognize improperly marked ballots.
“To the voters, do not mark the oval with an X. The requirement is to shade the oval at least 25 percent (threshold). It is okay if the shading extends slightly beyond the circle,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of fully shading the designated areas.
“Also, do not just put a dot; your eyes might see it, but the machine might not. That is why shading is better. Please do not use an X; we need to shade it (oval),” he added.
According to Garcia, teachers assigned to serve in the elections encountered minor issues during the final ACM tests, but these were resolved before election day.
“Our teachers have seen some issues, such as wrong placement of this and that. That is better. This is the purpose of our final testing and sealing so that on Monday, they know what they have to do, as they have already experienced and therefore, they will not have any difficulty on Monday,” he said.
As the campaign period draws to a close, Garcia urged candidates to keep their remaining rallies peaceful and orderly.
“Let us conduct the final campaign rally peacefully. Such gathering is part of the process,” he said.
The COMELEC chief likewise encouraged Bangsamoro voters to remain alert even after the polls, particularly amid the possibility of candidates or supporters refusing to accept election results.
“Your Commission on Elections is ready, especially regarding the peace and order situation… However, I would like to tell our fellow citizens in the Bangsamoro that vigilance should not end on Monday. We must remain watchful even after the election, because sometimes, especially those who are unsuccessful do not accept their defeat. The Comelec is prepared for such events or incidents,” Garcia said.
The historic election will determine the members of the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament.
COMELEC data show that 2,393,202 voters are registered to participate in the region-wide polls.