MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said simulation exercises for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections were successfully completed in three areas ahead of the Sept. 14 polls.

Based on the poll body’s end-monitoring report, all 10 clustered precincts in Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte and Tawi-Tawi completed the exercises without issues, with all ballots counted and automated counting machines transmitting results successfully.

The simulations involved actual voters and were observed by Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, Commissioner Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal and other election stakeholders.

A monitoring center for the exercise was also established at the Comelec central office in Intramuros, Manila.

“I am happy with our preparations for the Bangsamoro [Parliamentary] Election because, from May 5 to 7, when we conducted filing of candidacy, it was very peaceful. This is the first time in the Bangsamoro that there was no untoward incident, no violence. The PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) are telling us that we are in full control of the situation,” Garcia said in an interview.

Garcia also noted that the upcoming parliamentary election will introduce new ballot features, including candidates’ photographs and political party logos.

“This is the first election here in the Bangsamoro, the first time that the pictures of the candidates are on the ballot. The logos of the political parties are on the ballot. These were implemented first in the Bangsamoro [election] before the national [election],” he said.

The Comelec chief also maintained that preparations remain on track and that the elections will proceed as scheduled.

“Currently, we don’t have a TRO (temporary restraining order) from the Supreme Court. There is no law postponing the Bangsamoro [Parliamentary Election]. For us, the September 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election will be conducted,” Garcia said.

“We are following our calendar of activities to prove to our countrymen, as far as the Comelec is concerned, there’s no doubt, there will be an election,” he added.