Comelec to hold Bangsamoro plebiscite simulation

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold a simulation of the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

James Jimenez, spokesman for the Comelec, said the simulation is tentatively set on the second week of October and is likely to be held at the Comelec main office or a school, which has yet to be determined.

“We won’t be using uniform ballots. Some ballots will be longer... Ballots will also have different questions depending on the area... We want to have an idea how things will be on plebiscite day,” Jimenez said.

“We need to simulate because we want to see how usable the ballots are. It’s not a simple question of yes or no. The questions need to take into consideration the constitutional requirements when you conduct a plebiscite,” he added.

Jimenez said residents of areas that will compose the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  (BARMM) would be asked if they favor their separation from their “mother unit.”

Aside from Maguindanao, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, which compose the ARMM, six towns in Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays in six North Cotabato towns will comprise the proposed BARMM.

  Meanwhile, a special registration of voters will be held in Marawi from Oct. 1 to 15 to “enfranchise” qualified voters in the plebiscite.

Jimenez said the poll body also wants to ensure that Marawi voters could participate in the midterm elections next year.

The special voter registration was provided under Resolution 10426 issued last Sept. 27, which also allows the transfer and reactivation of voters’ registration and correction of entries.