A Crucial Juncture for Peace and Governance
A Crucial Juncture for Peace and Governance
By Mehmet Enes Başer
The upcoming 2025 elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) represent a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ pursuit of lasting peace and effective self-governance in a region historically marked by conflict and marginalization. These elections are not merely a procedural democratic exercise; they symbolize the culmination of years of peace negotiations, institutional reforms, and the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for genuine autonomy.
Historical Context and the Road to Autonomy
The establishment of BARMM is the result of decades-long struggles and negotiations between the Philippine government and Moro revolutionary groups, primarily the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014 laid the foundation for creating an autonomous political entity designed to address historical injustices and provide the Bangsamoro people with self-determination. The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), ratified in 2019, formalized the creation of BARMM, replacing the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a more empowered and representative governance structure.
Transition Period and Governance Challenges
Since its inception, BARMM has been governed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), an interim body tasked with establishing the region’s parliamentary system, drafting essential legislation, and ensuring a smooth transition to a fully operational autonomous government. This transition period has been extended once, with the initial elections scheduled for 2022 postponed to 2025 to allow more time for institution-building and addressing the region’s complex challenges.
Current Political Landscape and Emerging Dynamics
As the 2025 elections approach, the political landscape in BARMM is characterized by both opportunities and challenges. The formation of political parties and alliances reflects the region’s evolving democratic processes. The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), affiliated with the MILF, is poised to play a significant role in the elections, leveraging its historical leadership in the peace process and governance. Concurrently, the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC), comprising parties like the Bangsamoro People’s Party (BPP), Al Ittahad-UKB Party, and Serbisyong Inklusibo-Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP), has emerged as a formidable political force, advocating for inclusive governance and representing diverse constituencies within the Bangsamoro society.
Security Concerns and Electoral Violence
Despite the progress in political institution-building, security remains a pressing concern in BARMM. Recent reports indicate a surge in violent incidents, with conflicts in the region rising by 24% to 2,570 incidents in 2024—the highest in seven years. This uptick in violence raises alarms about the potential for electoral violence, which could undermine the legitimacy of the elections and destabilize the region. Addressing these security challenges requires coordinated efforts from the regional government, national security forces, and local communities to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Implications of Sulu’s Exclusion
A significant development affecting the upcoming elections is the Supreme Court’s decision in September 2024 to exclude the province of Sulu from BARMM, citing constitutional grounds related to the 2019 autonomy plebiscite results. This ruling has led to uncertainty regarding the allocation of parliamentary seats and the overall political dynamics within BARMM. The exclusion of Sulu necessitates adjustments in electoral preparations and poses challenges to the inclusivity of the Bangsamoro political framework.
International Support and Electoral Preparations
The international community has shown support for BARMM’s electoral process. Notably, Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have collaborated with the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to promote voter education, ensure inclusivity, and support the digitalization of electoral processes. These efforts aim to enhance the credibility and efficiency of the elections, fostering greater public trust in the democratic process.
Conclusion: Navigating the Path Forward
The 2025 BARMM elections stand as a watershed moment in the Philippines’ journey toward sustainable peace and self-determination for the Bangsamoro people. The successful conduct of these elections hinges on several critical factors:
- Ensuring Security: Addressing the recent surge in violence is paramount. A comprehensive security plan involving local law enforcement, national security forces, and community leaders is essential to safeguard the electoral process and protect voters.
- Promoting Inclusive Participation: The exclusion of Sulu presents challenges to the inclusivity of the elections. Efforts must be made to engage all sectors of Bangsamoro society, ensuring that diverse voices are represented and heard in the new parliamentary setup.
- Strengthening Political Institutions: The emergence of various political parties and coalitions signifies a maturing political landscape. Building robust institutions that can manage political competition, and foster collaboration is vital for the region’s stability and development.
- International Engagement: Continued support from international partners, such as Japan and UNDP, plays a crucial role in enhancing electoral processes and capacity-building. This support should be aligned with the region’s specific needs and cultural context.
In essence, the 2025 elections are more than a political exercise; they are a testament to the resilience and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. Successfully navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by these elections will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous future in BARMM.