Cotabato City, Philippines – With the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) preparing for its historic first parliamentary elections on 13 October 2025, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) formally launched a set of BARMM-tailored voter education materials in Cotabato City.

This launch was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Project on Raising Voters’ Awareness and Promoting Digitalization of the Electoral Process in Bangsamoro, funded by the Government of Japan. 

The event underscores the critical role of voter education in institutionalizing democratic processes in BARMM, ensuring informed political participation, and advancing long-term peace and development in the region.

During the launch, COMELEC unveiled voter education materials specifically designed for the Bangsamoro context, providing information on the electoral process, the structure and powers of the Bangsamoro Parliament, and the rights and responsibilities of voters. The event also highlighted the new Voter Education Application, which offers an interactive platform accessible through tablets and kiosks to make election information more engaging and easier to understand. In addition, radio materials produced for BARMM were presented, ensuring that voter education reaches communities across the region, particularly those in far-flung areas. 

“Regardless of the issues that we encounter as we prepare for the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections, we should never forget and take for granted voters’ education. For the Bangsamoro citizens, we need to explain simple topics about the parliamentary elections; They need to understand so that they are empowered to choose wisely who will be their representatives and leaders in the parliament. The pillar of each election is voters’ education,” noted COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia. 

The launch also featured local civil society organizations showcasing their voter education initiatives, reflecting a whole-of-society approach to informed and inclusive elections. By bringing together government, development partners, and civil society, the activity aims to foster collaboration and amplify efforts to prepare voters for this historic exercise of democracy.

The activity also fostered strong public engagement and media visibility, encouraging citizens across BARMM to actively participate in the upcoming elections.

BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, in his message, highlighted that: “This campaign is our collective call for every Bangsamoro to make their voice count and to share the responsibility of shaping the future we all aspire. The election will continue. Isang Bangsamoro, Isang Boto means that each vote matters, each voice deserves to be heard. When we act together, we rise together. And when we rise together, we protect our future. Each vote is more than a ballot; it represents our hopes, our dignity, and our future.”

Inclusive participation will play a crucial role in the 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections, especially in ensuring that women, indigenous peoples, youth, and other marginalized groups are fully represented. To help achieve this, UNDP Philippines, in partnership with COMELEC, is strengthening democratic participation by expanding voter education efforts. The initiative gives particular attention to communities at risk of disenfranchisement and those living in hard-to-reach areas.

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