MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has completed about 95 percent of its preparations for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections scheduled on Sept. 14, according to Chairperson George Garcia.

In an interview on Thursday, Garcia said the poll body is on track to conduct the first-ever BARMM Parliamentary Elections.

“We are 95 percent ready for the BPE, especially since the President said that the peaceful elections in the Bangsamoro are expected to continue,” he said.

Garcia said the printing and verification of more than 2.3 million official ballots have already been completed, with deployment of election materials and equipment expected to begin during the first week of August.

“Ballots have been completed for printing and verification. There were less than 1 percent defective ballots, and we have reprinted them immediately,” Garcia said.

“Ballots have been packed to be ready for deployment in the first week of August. Our machines are also ready for deployment, and other supplies. We are just waiting for our packing and shipping committee.”

He added that preparations are now focused on training teachers, members of the special electoral board, and Philippine National Police personnel who will serve during the polls.

“Leading to the elections, so far, all that is left is the training of teachers and special electoral board, Philippine National Police personnel. Our preparations are only a little unfinished,” Garcia said.

The campaign period for the BARMM Parliamentary Elections officially opened on Thursday, allowing candidates to begin seeking public support ahead of the Sept. 14 elections. Campaign activities will run until Sept. 12.