THE National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) expressed hope that the passage of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code would pave the way for the success of the BARMM elections in 2025.In a statement on Friday, Namfrel said its passage on third and final reading will aid in defining the conduct of free and fair elections.Namfrel also stressed it will provide a political party system that is 'truly based on principles and platform of government' and representative of the residents of the region, participation not just in voting but also in running for office and in observing all steps of electoral processes in Bangsamoro, and the mechanisms for transparency and responsibility.'The Code, as with all laws, must heed the directive under Article IX-C of the Constitution for free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections, and must also aim to foster greater participation and inclusivity,' it said.Namfrel also acknowledged the consultations were conducted to make the Electoral Code inclusive for all stakeholders.On Wednesday, presiding chairman and Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema banged the gavel to approve Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Bill 29 on third and final reading.The electoral code measure garnered 64 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and zero abstentions in the BARMM Parliament.BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindog formally signed the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of 2023 or the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 35.The final version, which consists of 11 articles, proposes introductory provisions, Bangsamoro electoral office, regional political parties in the Bangsamoro, elective positions in the Parliament, elections upon dissolution of the Parliament, voters, election administration, election offenses, legal fees, transitory provisions and final provisions.The Bangsamoro Parliament's statement wrote that the approval of the electoral code is a 'fulfillment' of a promise made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in enacting an electoral code for the region.BTA Bill 29 was introduced in September 2022.
