President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a bill postponing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections to October 2025; a move critics argue formalizes governance under an unelected transitional authority while exposing unresolved tensions in the region’s peace process.
The BARMM, established in 2019 to replace the corruption-plagued Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), was envisioned as a product of the 2014 peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The agreement promised a two-track approach: political reforms through elections and self-governance and normalization via disarmament and economic aid for former combatants.
In an interview with Atenews, Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia Founding Director Mussolini Lidasan noted that the delay reflects setbacks in the peace roadmap.
“The postponement shows that we are falling behind in our commitments under the peace agreement; the decommissioning of MILF combatants is incomplete, and without an exit agreement, we cannot finalize the transition,” Lidasan stated.
“Alongside the political track, the normalization track requires urgent attention—decommissioning fighters, providing socio-economic programs, and delivering transitional justice; these are not optional.”
Unelected governance and legitimacy concerns
With elections deferred, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), composed of appointees from the MILF and local governments, will now govern until 2025. Lidasan argued that the unelected body lacks an electoral mandate, raising concerns over accountability and political legitimacy.
“Wala silang moral ascendency; so people that are appointed somehow hindi siya heavy as a mandate,” Lidasan noted.
Marginalized groups, including indigenous communities and civil society organizations, also feel excluded from decision-making.
“The BTA is dominated by political elites and MILF affiliates; indigenous groups like the Sama are being ignored,” Lidasan said.
Mixed reactions to postponement
Justifications like adjusting to Sulu’s exclusion, extended preparation time for the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the BTA, security concerns, and creating new provinces for Special Geographic Areas (SGAs) have been the main areas of focus in the postponement, but experts argue that this might lead to further political instability in the region.
“Sulu’s status complicates governance and risks deepening regional divisions; kung may bagong law na ipapasa, the regional government has to reclassify the jurisdiction and [their] boundaries,” Lidasan explained.
However, watchdog groups like the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) argue that these issues do not justify postponing suffrage.
“None of these reasons presents an urgent, substantial, or compelling basis to postpone the exercise of the fundamental right of suffrage,” LENTE Executive Director Atty. Ona Caritos stated.
The group urged stakeholders to prioritize practical solutions that address concerns without diminishing democracy.
Risks of a never-ending transition
Lidasan warned that the postponement sets a dangerous precedent, normalizing delays and stalling peace process commitments.
“If we delay once, what’s stopping future governments from doing it again?” Lidasan questioned.
Lidasan also commented that economic stagnation is also a concern as BARMM relies heavily on its block grant from the national government, with little progress in building industries or creating jobs.
“When it comes to peacemaking, we need a new paradigm because it cannot be business as usual; From ARMM to BARMM, we need to determine the baseline,” Lidasan asserted.
Lidasan also stressed the importance of economic development, in which, according to him, peacebuilding is more than political statements.
“Yes, we always value the peace process, but the peace process needs support like the economic development package, which includes the establishment of jobs, industries, and opportunities for ordinary people.”
Calls for electoral integrity
While acknowledging the five-month delay as more reasonable than a one-year postponement, LENTE pressed for urgent reforms to safeguard the democratic process.
The group recommended amending the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act to redistribute Sulu’s seven parliamentary seats through inclusive consultations. LENTE also called for re-opening registration for political parties and sectoral organizations to ensure meaningful participation.
The watchdog emphasized the need for BARMM ballots to comply with the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, including party logos, candidate photos, and a “None of the Above” option.
LENTE urged the early release of a voter education plan to guide regional political parties and COMELEC in educating voters.
Finally, the group stressed the importance of clear guidelines for sectoral assemblies to protect marginalized groups and ensure transparency.
“These measures are critical to preserving electoral integrity and upholding democratic principles,” said LENTE Executive Director Atty. Ona Caritos.
What’s next for BARMM?
With the postponement now in effect, Lidasan and LENTE urge immediate action to prevent further backsliding in the peace process.
“We need to complete the disarmament of MILF troops, finalize the inclusion or exclusion of Sulu, and ensure transparency by publishing detailed reports about the current progress,” Lidasan said.
LENTE emphasized collaboration between COMELEC, the BTA, and civil society to address logistical and legal hurdles.
“Relevant government institutions must consider measures to preserve electoral integrity, uphold democratic principles, and ensure that the people’s right to suffrage is not further diminished,” the group stressed.