MANILA, Philippines—The United Nations Philippines urged all stakeholders to ensure the peaceful, credible, and inclusive conduct of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
After four postponements, the first parliamentary elections in the BARMM are set to take place on Sept. 14, making it an “important milestone” in the region’s peace process and political transition, according to the UN.
“The successful conduct of the elections, together with effective follow-up, will be essential to strengthening public trust and further consolidating peace,” the UN Philippines said in a statement on Sunday.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the UN urged all stakeholders to help ensure that the elections are peaceful, credible and inclusive.
“As BARMM enters this new chapter, the United Nations encourages all stakeholders to remain committed to dialogue, cooperation and the peaceful resolution of differences,” it said.
READ: What to know about BARMM’s first parliamentary elections
Furthermore, the UN called on stakeholders “to ensure that the benefits of peace and development reach all communities.”
The UN also commended the Bangsamoro people, national and regional authorities, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), electoral bodies and other partners for their role in preparing for the historic elections.
It reaffirmed its support for national and regional authorities in advancing the goals of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and promoting a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous future for the region.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) said on Sunday that around 108 international observers from 16 organizations and delegations will monitor Monday’s first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
READ: BARMM polls: Over 100 international observers to monitor
Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento welcomed the observers, saying their presence highlights the international community’s interest in the Bangsamoro’s transition to an elected government. /mcm
The post UN urges peaceful, credible, inclusive conduct of BARMM polls appeared first on Inquirer.net.
