IM4PEACE-Lanao continues to hold Voter's Education and Election Monitoring Organizing
FGD Voter’s Education on the Upcoming BARMM Elections
September 8, 2026 | Pualas, Lanao del Sur
On September 8, 2026, an FGD Voter’s Education activity on the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections was conducted in Pualas, Lanao del Sur, with approximately 18 participants from the community.
The activity served as a venue for participants to deepen their understanding of the Bangsamoro electoral process, discuss issues affecting their communities, and reflect on their responsibilities as voters in ensuring a peaceful, clean, and credible election.
The activity began at approximately 2:05 PM with an introductory discussion on the history of BARMM and why it matters. The discussion provided participants with a background on the historical and political processes that led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro region. It emphasized that understanding the history of the Bangsamoro is important in understanding the significance of the upcoming elections and the role of voters in shaping the region’s political future.
The discussion also highlighted that the upcoming BARMM elections are not simply about choosing political personalities. They are part of a larger political process through which Bangsamoro communities exercise their right to participate in governance and determine the leaders who will represent their interests.
The second major discussion focused on the Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Complex (APHEC) and the call against its privatization. The topic was included in the voter’s education activity because the issue has direct implications for communities in the Bangsamoro, particularly those in and around Lanao.
The Agus-Pulangi system is closely connected to Lake Lanao, which plays an important role in the generation of hydroelectric power in Mindanao. For communities in Lanao, therefore, the issue extends beyond electricity and economic considerations. It also involves questions concerning natural resources, public ownership, environmental sustainability, community interests, and the cultural and historical identity attached to Lake Lanao.
The discussion encouraged participants to consider these concerns when evaluating candidates and their platforms. Rather than simply asking who the candidates are, voters were encouraged to ask what candidates stand for and what positions they hold on issues that directly affect the Bangsamoro people. Participants were encouraged to examine candidates’ platforms, credentials, track records, and positions on issues such as public resources and the proposed privatization of APHEC.
Following the APHEC discussion, the participants were introduced to the Interfaith Movement for Peaceful and Clean Elections (IM4PEACE) through a watchdog orientation. The orientation explained the importance of citizens taking an active role in protecting the integrity of the electoral process. Participants were encouraged to become more vigilant in identifying and addressing election-related concerns, particularly misinformation, vote-buying, intimidation, and other practices that may undermine peaceful and credible elections.
The watchdog orientation also emphasized that election monitoring is not about supporting a particular candidate or political party. Rather, it is about encouraging responsible participation and protecting the right of voters to make informed and independent choices.
After the main discussions, participants were given a short break before proceeding to the mini-group discussion. The participants were divided into two groups and provided with guide questions covering their knowledge of the upcoming BARMM elections, the qualities they look for in candidates, the challenges they experience as voters, the information they still need, and the ways young people and communities can contribute to peaceful and credible elections.
During the group discussions, Group 1 expressed that they were still “not really familiar sa election” and observed that the names of candidates were not yet very familiar to them. Their responses reflected a need for greater voter education and accessible information about the upcoming election, particularly regarding the positions that voters will be choosing and the nature of the electoral process.
The group emphasized that the eligibility, credentials, and track record of candidates should be considered when making electoral decisions. They also identified unawareness and lack of information as challenges that may prevent voters from making informed choices. The group further emphasized the importance of verifying information and conducting fact-checking before believing or sharing election-related claims.
Meanwhile, Group 2 shared their existing understanding of the political situation in BARMM and mentioned that the region’s transition and elections had experienced several extensions. They also identified political groups such as UBJP and BGC and discussed their understanding of their political affiliations.
When asked about the qualities they consider important in a candidate, participants highlighted the importance of having leaders who are trustworthy, fair, principled, and committed to fighting for the rights of the people. They emphasized the need to know the personality, background, and track record of candidates and to vote wisely based on credible information rather than simply relying on popularity or political affiliation.
The group also raised several concerns regarding the electoral process. Among these were vote-buying, difficulty in identifying and evaluating candidates, long queues during election day, and the challenges faced by elderly voters when shading their ballots. These concerns demonstrated that participants viewed election participation not only in terms of political choices but also in terms of accessibility and the ability of all voters to meaningfully exercise their right to vote.
Both groups recognized the importance of having credible and fair elections. They emphasized that voters should check and verify information about candidates before making their choices. They also stressed the importance of respecting people who have different political opinions and electoral choices, recognizing that peaceful participation requires communities to engage in political discussions without hostility or violence.
The group discussions were followed by a reporting session, where representatives presented their respective answers and insights to the larger group. The reporting allowed participants to compare their perspectives and recognize that while some already possessed knowledge about BARMM politics and political organizations, there remained significant gaps in understanding the electoral process, candidates, and the issues that should be considered when voting.
One of the important points that emerged from the activity was the need to connect voter education with the issues that directly affect people's everyday lives. For the participants, being an informed voter means understanding not only the mechanics of voting but also the policies and decisions that elected leaders will make on behalf of their communities.
The discussion on APHEC reinforced this point. Issues involving electricity, natural resources, and public ownership can have long-term consequences for communities in Lanao and the wider Bangsamoro. Voters therefore have a responsibility to examine where candidates stand on such issues and to consider whether their platforms reflect the interests and welfare of the communities they seek to represent.
The activity also reinforced the role of IM4PEACE as an election watchdog in encouraging voters to remain vigilant before, during, and after the elections. Through responsible information-sharing, fact-checking, observation of election-related activities, and respect for different political choices, community members can contribute to an electoral environment that is peaceful, clean, and credible.
Following the group reporting and synthesis of the discussions, certificates were distributed to the participants in recognition of their active participation in the activity.
The FGD concluded with a reminder that an informed voter is not simply someone who knows how to cast a ballot, but someone who understands the significance of their vote, examines the platforms and track records of candidates, verifies information, and considers the issues that affect their community.
The activity in Pualas demonstrated the continuing importance of grassroots voter education in the Bangsamoro. By creating a space where community members can openly discuss their questions, concerns, and perspectives, voter education activities can help strengthen democratic participation and encourage citizens to take a more active role in shaping the future of the region.
As the BARMM elections approach, the discussions in Pualas emphasized a simple but important responsibility for every voter: know the election, know the candidates, understand the issues, verify the information, and vote responsibly.
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