MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it remains on schedule in its preparations for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on Sept. 14.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the deployment of election equipment and other paraphernalia to the region’s municipalities is expected to be completed Tuesday.

“The deployment of equipment, specifically the ballots, to all municipalities should be completed today. At the same time, election paraphernalia, such as machines, batteries, and other items must be delivered to the local Comelec offices. Our plan is for the teachers to receive the machines before Sept. 11, as we will conduct the final testing and sealing of all machines across the entire Bangsamoro region – covering all 5,212 precincts – on Sept. 12,” he said in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas.

Garcia said the final testing and sealing of the automated counting machines (ACMs) will involve registered voters casting ballots using actual election ballots.

“We want to see: 1) Even though there is no actual transmission of results – how the public reacts, as 10 voters will cast their ballots using real ballots. We want to verify if the equipment functions correctly in each precinct; 2) We also want to distribute the equipment to the teachers; once they receive the units, they will not be returned, especially in remote areas and island municipalities, as the teachers will be responsible for safekeeping them,” he said.

Security preparations

Meanwhile, Garcia reported that authorities have arrested 31 individuals for various violations at checkpoints across the BARMM.

“So far, there have been no reported election-related incidents other than one; the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard are in full control of the situation across the entire BARMM,” he said.

Garcia also reminded voters belonging to vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities, that early voting hours will be available on election day.

They may cast their ballots from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., although they may still vote during the regular voting period from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“They can still vote during regular voting hours (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The early voting period is for those who wake up early and wish to vote early,” Garcia said.

80 parliamentary seats

The Sept. 14 elections will fill 80 seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Of the total, 40 seats, or half of the parliamentary seats, will be allocated to Regional Parliamentary Party List (RPPP) Representatives.

The remaining 40 seats will comprise 32 elected Parliamentary District Representatives and eight Parliamentary Sectoral Representatives.

“There are 13 political party positions but voters will only vote for one; also, one candidate for parliamentary position (just like Congressman post in the national and local polls) and sectoral groups,” Garcia said.

He reminded voters to carefully follow the ballot instructions.

“Don’t overvote, otherwise, your vote will not be counted.”