Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold voter registration activities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), Comelec Chairperson George Garcia announced on Wednesday. The decision aims to prevent disenfranchisement of the region's residents, particularly those aged 15 to 17 years, as the nationwide resumption of voter registration is set to begin next month.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia emphasized the importance of including BARMM in the voter registration process to ensure that younger voters have the opportunity to participate in the SK elections. Without this inclusion, only individuals aged 18 and above would be eligible to vote, limiting the representation of younger residents.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11132, the BSKE is scheduled for December 1, 2025. However, Garcia clarified that the inclusion of BARMM in the voter registration activities is still pending approval from the Comelec en banc.
The nationwide voter registration for the BSKE is set to take place from July 1 to 11. Initially, BARMM was excluded from these activities due to the scheduled Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on October 13. Garcia noted that new registrants during this period will not be eligible to vote in the BPE.
"As the law provides, the voters in the May 12 midterm polls must be the only ones that can vote in the October 13 BPE," Garcia stated, indicating that those registering from July 1 to 11 in BARMM will not be able to participate in the BPE.
