Candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are being instructed to remove campaign materials posted in non-designated areas. This directive comes as part of the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) efforts to maintain order and compliance in the electoral process.
Comelec's Strict Enforcement
Lawyer Mohammad Nabil Mutia, the provincial director of Comelec in Maguindanao del Norte, issued the removal order on August 1. He specifically addressed regional political parties, candidates, and sectoral organizations.
You are directed to take down immediately all your election campaign materials posted outside of the designated Comelec common poster areas in Maguindanao del Norte, including Cotabato City.
Mohammad Nabil Mutia, Comelec Provincial Director
- Campaign materials are not permitted in public spaces, trees, or private properties without consent.
- A synchronized operation named 'Oplan Baklas' will commence on August 3 to enforce these rules.
This campaign period, which began on July 30, will see approximately 2,393,530 registered voters participating to fill 40 parliamentary seats. Candidates who fail to adhere to Comelec regulations could face legal repercussions, emphasizing the importance of compliance.
The initiative to regulate campaign materials aligns with previous efforts seen in other regions during elections, based on a history of electoral disputes and the need for fair campaigning.