THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is paving the way for the end of political dynasties through two important laws that its parliament enacted last year. The first, the long-awaited Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 35, or the "Act Providing for the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of the BARMM," was signed into law by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on March 8, 2023. The completion and passage of this code was a milestone because its absence during the first three years of the interim government, alongside the deleterious effects of the coronavirus pandemic, were the main reasons for the interim government's extension to mid-2025. This 47-page law adheres to the 1987 Philippine Constitution; to the authority, rules and policies of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) through the establishment of the Bangsamoro Electoral Office (BEO); and to other national authorities, as well as to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Prior to its passage, several deliberations took place within the parliament, and consultations were held with public officials, civil society, non-Moro Indigenous peoples (IPs), settler communities, and other stakeholders at the regional and national levels.
The electoral code supports democratic participation in regional and local elections and promotes the creation of regional political parties, with representations from women, youth, non-Moro IPs, settler communities, traditional leaders and the Ulama (religious leader). The parliament is composed of 80 members: 50 percent are party representatives; 40 percent, district representatives; and 10 percent, sectoral representatives. The code also covers other provisions about rules on changing political party membership, coalition-building, funding, election rules and procedures, and prosecution of election violations. Article III, Section 9d provides an important ruling discouraging political dynasties by stating that "nominees of a political party shall not be related to each other within the second degree of consanguinity and affinity. Violation of this provision shall disqualify one of the nominees in a manner to be determined by the party."
Continue reading with one of these options:
Ad-free access
P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
- Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
- Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)