Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially proposed to Congress that the inaugural Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) be rescheduled to 2026 if the planned March 30 date cannot be met. Comelec chairperson George Garcia emphasized that delaying the elections further to 2027 would interfere with preparations for the 2028 presidential elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated that conducting the BPE next year is not feasible due to Comelec's ongoing preparations for national and local elections. He mentioned that a bill has been submitted to the Lower House, specifically to the chairperson of the committee on suffrage and electoral reforms. This bill aims to legislate a new election date for the Bangsamoro region if the March 30 deadline is not achievable.

Garcia suggested that the elections could potentially be held in May, late September, or early October 2026. He also proposed that the elections could take place after Ramadan and Holy Week, targeting the end of May 2026 for the BPE. This scheduling proposal takes into account other elections, such as the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated for November 2026.

The Supreme Court previously instructed the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to enact a new districting law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by October 30. Furthermore, the court mandated the poll body to ensure the BPE is conducted by March 31, 2026.

On January 13, the BTA passed Parliament Bill No. 415 on its third and final reading. This legislation redefines the 32 parliamentary districts within the BARMM. Garcia highlighted that under Republic Act No. 8189, also known as the Continuing Registration Law, no changes to election arrangements are permitted within 120 days of the election date.