What to know as a Philippine region with a history of conflict holds its first parliamentary polls

Manila, Philippines (AP) — Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will cast their ballots on Monday in the region's inaugural parliamentary elections, a milestone in the pursuit of self-determination and enduring peace following years of insurgency and strife.

The BARMM, spanning five provinces, three cities, and 63 villages across eight special geographic areas, is home to nearly 2.4 million voters. Election officials anticipate an 80% turnout following a postponement of the polls for several years. The elections will elect 80 members of parliament, comprising 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives, and eight sectoral representatives.

Unlike national elections, the region's chief minister is selected by members of parliament through a majority vote during their first parliamentary session. Voting will consist of selecting one regional party, one district representative, and six sectoral representatives, with the 40 party-representative seats allocated according to each party's vote share.

The BARMM's history is marked by centuries of colonialism, primarily by Spain, the United States, and Filipino Christian settlers who marginalized Muslims, turning them into a minority in resource-rich Mindanao, the southern third of the Philippine archipelago. Intermittent and violent conflicts over land, resources, and political power have plagued the region since the 1970s, with an estimated 150,000 combatants and civilians losing their lives.

In 2014, a peace deal brokered by Malaysia ended the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) pursuit of a separate Muslim state, instead granting the group broader autonomy. The deal, which involved the demobilization of 40,000 MILF fighters, has since been suspended by the group due to alleged non-compliance with socio-economic commitments. The incomplete demobilization, combined with the group's split into two rival political parties, raises concerns about potential violence that could undermine voter confidence.

Over 20,000 military and police personnel are deployed to ensure the elections proceed smoothly. Commission on Elections Chairman Erwin Garcia emphasized the importance of facilitating voting, stating that their efforts would be futile if citizens cannot cast their ballots.