Voting has begun in the Philippines’ Muslim-majority south in the first parliamentary election for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, known as BARMM.
Nearly 2.4 million registered voters are eligible to choose the region’s 80-member parliament, which will play a major role in determining the future leadership of the autonomous region.
The election follows years of efforts to establish a more stable system of elected self-government after decades of separatist conflict in the southern Philippines.
Security has been tightened across the region following violence ahead of the vote. Reuters reported that three people were killed and 15 others wounded in incidents before election day.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the election as a defining moment for both BARMM and the country.
The new legislature will eventually choose the region’s chief minister, making the election an important step in the transition toward greater political autonomy.
The vote is also being closely watched because it represents a major test of the peace process and the region’s ability to move toward democratic governance.
Officials hope the election can strengthen political stability and help consolidate the gains made through the peace process.
