Manila: A poll watchdog on Tuesday pushed for the holding of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on Oct. 13, despite issues that recently arose. In a statement, the Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) said it supports the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for pushing the conduct of the BPE as scheduled.

According to Philippines News Agency, the IEMC strongly supports the Comelec's position to hold the BARMM Parliamentary Elections as scheduled, even if the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) enacts a redistricting and reapportionment law in the coming days. The group noted that delaying the BPE does not support the implementation of the Bangsamoro peace agreement.

"Further postponement of the elections would unjustly delay the establishment of an elected regional government - a key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Bangsamoro Organic Law," the IEMC said. "The people of BARMM deserve leaders with a clear mandate from the electorate."

Last week, the Comelec announced the temporary deferment of the start of the printing of BPE ballots. The suspension was made after it received information that the bill redistricting the BARMM may have an effect on the ballot faces and printing of ballots, among others. However, the Comelec assured that the BPE will be held on Oct. 13, despite the potential complications.