The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially recognized the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) as the dominant majority party and the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) as the dominant minority party for the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
Understanding the Selection Criteria
This determination, made public in a resolution issued on July 8, 2026, is crucial for establishing the electoral framework in the Bangsamoro region.
The identification of the dominant majority and minority RPPPs is necessary to ensure fair representation and access to electoral resources.
Comelec Official Statement
- Access to printed election returns
- Election transmission of precinct results
- Non-voting membership on boards of canvassers
- Appointment of official watchers at polling places
The Comelec's criteria for determining these parties included the ability to present a full slate of candidates, the number of established municipal and city chapters, and the representation of women in their nominations.
Parties received points based on these criteria, with a total of 40 points available for candidate representation alone.
Additionally, the strength of each party was assessed through its regional presence, measured by the proportion of chapters to municipalities and cities in the Bangsamoro region.
Alongside the UBJP and BFP, nine other parties received major party status, allowing them specific rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.
- Bangsamoro Party
- Moro Ako Party
- Bangsamoro Empowerment and Social Transformation Party
- Mahardika Party
- Partido Bangon Bangsamoro
- BARMM Grand Coalition
- Indigenous Settlers, SAMA and Minorities Alliance Party
- People’s Consultative (MUSHAWARA) Party
- AL-ITTIHAD–Ungaya sa Kagawib Nu Bangsamoro
The resolution emphasizes that future changes in party status or accreditation could affect their privileges. This provision underscores the evolving political landscape in the BARMM.