Lente urges Comelec: Use ‘none of the above’ option in BARMM ballots

MANILA, Philippines — Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) must be given the option to tick “none of the above” when voting in the parliamentary elections in October, election watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections said.

LENTE said the design of official ballots for the BARMM parliamentary election should comply with the Bangsamoro Election Code.

It asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for a ballot design that features party logos and candidate photos to ease voting for vulnerable voters.

“A ‘none of the above’ option should be added to empower voters to express disapproval of all candidates, if desired,” LENTE said.

The group also asked stakeholders to prioritize the implementation of practical solutions to effectively address concerns, such as adjustments following the Supreme Court ruling that excludes Sulu from the region.

It called on government institutions to amend the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act to distribute the seven seats originally allocated to Sulu.

“We urge the Bangsamoro Parliament to ensure that the amendment process is consultative, inclusive and transparent through the public consultations that will be conducted,” LENTE said in a statement.

The group also called on the Comelec to reopen the registration and accreditation for political parties and sectoral organizations.

Meanwhile, presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. thanked President Marcos for resetting the first parliamentary election in BARMM to provide the Bangsamoro government enough time to address the effects of the exclusion of Sulu from the autonomous region.

Galvez said the passage of Republic Act 12123, which resets the first regular elections in the BARMM, is a testament of the Marcos administration’s commitment to all signed peace agreements, bringing sustainable development and long-lasting peace to the Bangsamoro people.

“The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, together with its peace partners, join the Bangsamoro people as we gear up for the upcoming BARMM parliamentary election, which is another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process,” Galvez said. — Emmanuel Tupas, Roel Pareño