Election monitors are warning that the Bangsamoro region’s first parliamentary elections this October could face serious issues if many voters choose ‘None of the Above.’
Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/watchdogs-warning-barmm-parliamentary-elections-none-of-the-above-ballot-2025/
00:00Election monitors are warning that the Bangsamoro region's first parliamentary elections this October could face serious issues if many voters choose none of the above or NOTA.
00:10The government still hasn't set clear rules for what to do in that case.
00:14Under the 2023 Bangsamoro Electoral Code, ballots must include a NOTA option alongside candidate names, photos, and party logos, giving voters the choice to reject all candidates.
00:25The code was meant to give voters more choice and prevent token candidacies, but it doesn't explain what happens if NOTA gets the most votes.
00:33A NOTA majority could trigger a special election, leave seats empty, or delay the announcement of winners, possibly stalling the formation of the regional parliament.
00:42The Independent Election Monitoring Center, or IEMC, also warns it could lead to an election failure in the predominantly Muslim region, adding it must be resolved to avert failure of elections.
00:52Meantime, Institute for Autonomy and Governance Director Benedicto Bacchani says the NOTA dilemma could affect both party and parliamentary district seats in the BARM legislature.
