A Muslim Region in the Southern Philippines Votes in Its First Elections
Nearly 2.4 million voters chose 80 lawmakers in a delayed poll meant to advance autonomy and complete a 2014 peace deal.
- On Monday, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao held its first parliamentary elections, marking a crucial step toward self-rule after decades of violence in the southern Philippines.
- Western and Asian governments long feared tenacious insurgencies could foster Islamic extremism in Southeast Asia, as conflict since the 1970s claimed about 150,000 lives in the southern Philippines.
- Nearly 2.4 million voters in the Bangsamoro region cast ballots for 80 parliamentary seats, with officials expecting 80% turnout as more than 20,000 soldiers and police deployed for security.
- Elections Chairman Erwin Garcia reported Sunday that security conditions remained peaceful, though he warned those attempting to sow violence or buy votes would face charges from the Commission.
- The milestone follows decades of conflict and the 2014 peace deal requiring 40,000 fighters to demobilize; Mindanao previously served as a haven for al-Qaida and the Islamic State before a Philippine offensive weakened the militants.
47 Articles
47 Articles
Bangsamoro holds first parliament poll in key test of Philippines peace deal
Bangsamoro held its first parliamentary election on Monday under tight security and minor disruptions. The vote is a crucial measure of whether the peace deal can turn armed struggle into stable self-rule.
'Palpable tension' as Philippines Muslim region holds first elections
A predominantly Muslim region in the southern Philippines held its first parliamentary elections on Monday, seen as a crucial step in the long quest for self-rule after decades of insurgency and violence. Reporting from the region, France 24’s look Jan Camenzind Broomby, takes a look at the vote’s significance, as well as the tensions surrounding election day.
A Muslim region in the southern Philippines votes in its first elections – WTOP News
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A predominantly Muslim region in the southern Philippines held its first parliamentary elections on Monday, seen as a crucial step in the long quest for self-rule after decades of insurgency and violence. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was set up under a 2014 peace deal that saw the largest...
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