Japan, COMELEC, LENTE, and UNDP Launch Partnership for Informed Voting in BARMM

September 8, 2025

Upi, Maguindanao del Norte —The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Japan, formally launched the Partnership for Informed Voting in BARMM in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.

The event marked a strengthened collaboration among election authorities, civil society, and development partners in advancing credible, participatory, and inclusive first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is set to take place on 13 October.

COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, whose message was delivered by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, underscored the significance of the initiative. His message highlighted that: “this initiative reflects a shared vision—that free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections are not just democratic exercises, but the very foundation of lasting peace and good governance in the BARMM.” He emphasized the Commission’s three core commitments: “credibility, inclusion, and empowerment,” noting that voter education enables citizens “to navigate elections with confidence and resist misinformation, disinformation, and misinformation.”

Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, reaffirmed his country’s long-standing commitment to the peace process in Mindanao: “As the region approaches its first election, we now invest in the voices of the people—their ability to shape the future. Our efforts take shape through ‘The Project for Raising Voters’ Awareness and Promoting Digitalization of Electoral Process in Bangsamoro.’” He highlighted that voter education empowers communities to value their choices, adding, “With the essential knowledge on the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election, they can gain a deeper stake in their future—as proud members of the BARMM.”

UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran stressed the inclusive nature of the initiative: “The success of the BARMM Parliamentary Elections will depend not only on strong institutions, but on voters who are informed, empowered, and confident in exercising their rights.” He further noted, “Voter education is not just about knowing how to vote—it’s about understanding why your vote matters, and how each voice contributes to the future of this region.”

The Embassy of Japan, COMELEC Main Office, UNDP, LENTE, and the Bangsamoro Electoral Office joined hands in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte to launch a voter education initiative to empower communities for active and meaningful participation in the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. In photo (from left to right): First Secretary Asuka Ishizaka, Embassy of Japan; Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Embassy of Japan; Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative; Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, COMELEC; Dir. Ray Sumalipao, Bangsamoro Electoral Office; Dir. Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada, Project Manager for UNDP Electoral Projects, COMELEC; Atty. Ona Caritos, Executive Director, LENTE; and Atty. Muamar Guyo, Provincial Election Supervisor of Maguindanao del Norte, Bangsamoro Electoral Office.

The launch program featured the ceremonial unveiling of the partnership, an overview of the joint voter education initiative, and a sample voter education session covering essential topics such as the parliamentary electoral process, roles and responsibilities of voters, voting procedures, and common concerns during elections. COMELEC staff from the Election and Information Department (EID) also conducted a demonstration on the use of the automated counting machine, which included a mock voting exercise with active participation from the audience.

Local communities—including Indigenous Peoples, youth, and women voters—joined high-level dignitaries, BARMM officials, and community leaders in the event, highlighting the central role of citizens in shaping the future of democratic governance in the region.

The Partnership for Informed Voting in BARMM forms part of the broader Bangsamoro Electoral Support Project, implemented by COMELEC and UNDP with support from the Government of Japan, which seeks to uphold democratic participation and inclusivity in the historic 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections.

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