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SECURITY AND PUBLIC TRUST WILL BE PART OF THE ELECTION’S TEST
Comelec and the Philippine National Police have identified 108 election areas of concern across BARMM at different risk levels. The national government announced plans to deploy 8,299 police personnel, coordinate with the Armed Forces and Coast Guard, and use joint peace mechanisms created through the government’s agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The election period runs from July 16 to September 29, with restrictions on carrying firearms and using unauthorized security personnel. Authorities increased coordination after the August 15 attack on the convoy of Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. Macacua was unharmed, and investigators had not publicly established the motive in the latest reports.
A peaceful vote requires more than personnel at polling places. People must be able to campaign, attend meetings, report intimidation, and choose freely. Transparent counting, access for accredited observers, quick investigation of threats, and political neutrality from security forces will affect whether residents accept the result.
WHAT TO WATCH
Watch Comelec’s updated areas-of-concern list, reported violations, observer accreditation, peace-monitoring reports, and the handling of complaints before and after election day. The credibility of the new Parliament will depend on both accurate results and the freedom of voters to make their choices without coercion.
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