A predominantly Muslim region in the southern Philippines has held its first parliamentary elections, marking a major milestone in its long journey toward greater self-rule.
Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) went to the polls on September 14, 2026, to elect members of the region’s first regular parliament. The election ends a seven-year transition period under an interim government established after the 2014 peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Election Overview
Nearly 2.4 million registered voters were eligible to participate across five provinces, three cities, and additional villages. Turnout was reported at around 80–84%.
The 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament consists of:
40 party representatives
32 district representatives
8 sectoral representatives (including women, youth, ulama, settlers, and indigenous peoples)
Results and Outcome
Unofficial and partial results indicated a closely contested race with no single party securing a majority (41 seats needed).
The Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), linked to transitional Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, led with approximately 35–36% of the party-list vote (around 16 seats).
The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), associated with former Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, followed closely with about 32% (around 15 seats).
Other groups, including the BARMM Grand Coalition, secured the remaining party seats.
The outcome has produced a hung parliament, making coalition negotiations necessary to elect the region’s first Chief Minister. Elected members are expected to assume office on October 30, 2026, and will serve until mid-2031, after which elections will align with national polls.
Historical Significance
The BARMM was created following decades of conflict and a peace process that culminated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The 2019 plebiscite established the autonomous region, replacing the earlier Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The first regular elections were postponed multiple times before being set for September 2026.
This vote represents the transition from an appointed interim authority to an elected regional government, advancing the promise of meaningful self-governance for the Bangsamoro people.
Despite isolated reports of violence near some polling stations, the elections proceeded as a key step in consolidating peace and democratic institutions in the region.