Comelec Opens 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections to Newly Registered Voters
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a landmark decision that will significantly expand voter participation in the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections. In a move that could reshape the political landscape of the region, the electoral body declared that voter eligibility will no longer be restricted to those registered during the May 2025 national and local elections.
Resolution 11213: Expanding Democratic Participation
Through its Resolution 11213, the Comelec en banc formally announced that all qualified voters registered in the permanent list of any precinct within BARMM municipalities and cities will be entitled to cast their ballots in the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) scheduled for September 2026. This decision marks a substantial departure from previous electoral frameworks that limited participation to existing voter rolls.
The Commission emphasized that eligibility will be determined based on the latest Election Registration Board hearing, ensuring that recent registrants are fully incorporated into the democratic process. This policy shift comes as BARMM continues to develop its autonomous governance structures following years of peace negotiations and political transition.
Voter Registration Statistics Show Growing Political Engagement
The decision to expand voter eligibility follows a significant surge in registration activity across the Bangsamoro region. During the May 2025 national and local elections, BARMM recorded 2,378,828 registered voters who participated in the democratic exercise. However, the recently concluded voter registration period between February 9 and March 31 saw an additional 161,429 applications filed by citizens seeking to exercise their right to vote.
This substantial increase in registration numbers reflects growing political awareness and engagement among Bangsamoro residents as the region prepares for its first parliamentary elections under the current autonomous framework. The Comelec's decision ensures these newly registered citizens will not be disenfranchised in this historic electoral event.
Candidate Requirements: Refiling Certificates of Candidacy
In a related development, the Comelec has mandated that all candidates and political parties who previously filed their documents for the parliamentary elections must refile their certificates to participate in the September 2026 polls. This requirement applies despite many having already submitted their paperwork in November 2024.
The Commission specifically ordered the refiling of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for parliamentary district representatives, along with Certificates of Acceptance of Nomination (CANs) and Lists of Nominees from political parties. This procedural requirement includes the submission of affidavits of non-affinity from political parties or coalitions.
According to Comelec guidelines, all previously filed documents from November 4-9, 2024 must be resubmitted within the new period prescribed by the Commission. This affects 109 aspirants for parliamentary district representatives who had already filed their COCs, along with eight regional parliamentary political parties (RPPPs) that submitted their CANs and Lists of Nominees.
Election Structure: 80 Parliamentary Seats at Stake
The September 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will determine the composition of the region's legislative body through the election of 80 representatives across three categories. Voters will select 40 party representatives who will be chosen based on proportional representation from political party lists, along with 32 district representatives elected from specific geographic constituencies.
Additionally, the election will include 8 sectoral representatives who will advocate for specific community interests within the parliamentary framework. This multi-layered representation system is designed to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are included in the Bangsamoro's legislative process as the autonomous region continues to establish its governance institutions.
The Comelec's dual announcements regarding expanded voter eligibility and candidate refiling requirements represent significant steps toward ensuring inclusive and properly administered elections in this historically complex region. As BARMM prepares for this milestone democratic event, electoral authorities are working to balance procedural rigor with maximum citizen participation in the political process.
