ON THE FIRST BARMM ELECTION: IM4PEACE–Lanao Conducts Voter Education and FGD with Young Voters in Marawi City

IM4PEACE–Lanao Conducts Voter Education and FGD with Young Voters in Marawi City

The Interfaith Movement for Peaceful and Clean Elections (IM4PEACE)–Lanao conducted a voter education and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with young voters at the Headquarters of Mindanao State University–Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The afternoon activity lasted until 5:00 PM and was attended by approximately 33 participants, composed mostly of students and some young professionals.

The activity was organized by the Interfaith Movement for Peaceful and Clean Elections (IM4PEACE), a movement that promotes peaceful, clean, informed, and meaningful elections. IM4PEACE is also recognized by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as a partner in promoting voter education and responsible participation in elections. In Lanao del Sur, IM4PEACE–Lanao serves as the local chapter or counterpart that implements programs and activities focused on voter education and strengthening citizens’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities as voters.

The activity began with a discussion on the historical and political context of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). IM4PEACE–Lanao provided the participants with an overview of the history of the BARMM, including how and why the autonomous region was created and the developments that led to its establishment. The discussion then proceeded to the parliamentary system of the BARMM and the different political party groups participating in the upcoming elections.

Participants were encouraged to look beyond the popularity of politicians and consider their platforms, programs, credentials, principles, and track records when making electoral decisions. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding not only who is running for office, but also what political parties and their candidates stand for and what they intend to do once elected.

After the initial discussion, the participants were given a 15-minute break before being divided into four groups for the FGD. Each group was provided with guide questions that encouraged them to reflect on the current challenges faced by voters, the importance of voter education, and the qualities that should be considered when choosing political leaders.

During the group discussions, several common concerns emerged. One of the groups emphasized the importance of choosing principles instead of ayuda, stressing that voters should not base their decisions solely on material assistance or short-term benefits. The participants also raised concerns regarding intimidation and political pressure, particularly when voters and their families are pressured to support particular candidates. Election-related violence was also identified as a serious concern, especially in situations where individuals may experience threats or violence for not voting according to the wishes of certain politicians or influential groups.

The groups strongly emphasized that voter education is a must, particularly as election campaigns increasingly take place both offline and online. Participants discussed the growing use of AI-generated videos and other forms of digital content in political campaigning. Because of this, they highlighted the importance of fact-checking skills and media literacy to help voters determine whether information circulating online is accurate, misleading, or deliberately manipulative.

Another group emphasized the importance of strengthening voter education initiatives and ensuring that voters understand their responsibilities. Participants pointed out that track record should be an important consideration when choosing political leaders. They expressed concern that some politicians enter politics without sufficient understanding of what their responsibilities are or what they intend to accomplish once elected. The group also discussed the influence of family ties, intimidation, and election-related violence on voters’ choices.

The participants further stressed the need to make the programs, policies, credentials, and platforms of political parties more accessible to the public. For them, voters should be given enough information to properly evaluate the political groups and candidates seeking seats in the BARMM Parliament.

The third group focused more closely on the parliamentary system and the role of the Chief Minister. They discussed the importance of understanding how the parliamentary government operates and expressed the view that the BARMM government should be responsive to the specific needs and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. They emphasized that leaders should have conscience and principles and that there should be genuine representation in government.

The group also stressed that political leaders should understand the grassroots situation of the Bangsamoro. They highlighted the importance of examining the backgrounds and past records of politicians before supporting them. Vote buying was also raised as an issue that continues to affect elections.

Fear was another major concern identified by the group, particularly fear for one’s family when voting for a politician different from the one supported by influential individuals or groups. They also raised concerns regarding flying voters and the possibility of individuals voting in areas where they do not actually reside. False advertisements and politicians without clear platforms were likewise discussed.

In response to these challenges, the group emphasized the importance of media literacy, particularly in identifying manipulative content and the possible misuse of AI-generated materials. They also highlighted the importance of electing politicians who demonstrate empathy and understand the realities experienced by communities on the ground.

Meanwhile, the fourth group emphasized that voter education is essential in helping citizens understand the election process. They noted that having sufficient knowledge about the electoral system allows voters to participate more meaningfully and make better-informed decisions.

The group also discussed the influence of political dynasties and questioned why politicians with questionable or inadequate track records continue to receive electoral support. They further raised concerns regarding populist politicians who are voted into office primarily because of their popularity or fame rather than their programs, qualifications, or capacity to govern.

Following the group discussions, a consolidation session was conducted where the participants shared their insights and identified common themes across the four groups. The discussions highlighted the continuing challenges faced by voters in the BARMM, including political intimidation, family and clan influence, election-related violence, vote buying, political dynasties, populism, misinformation, and the increasing use of AI-generated content in political campaigns.

More importantly, the activity demonstrated the participants’ recognition of the need for a more informed and critical electorate. The discussions emphasized that voters must be able to examine political parties and candidates based on their principles, platforms, qualifications, track records, and commitment to the people rather than simply on popularity, family connections, or material assistance.

The activity concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants, followed by the closing of the program.

The voter education and FGD served as an important space for young people in Marawi City to engage with the political and electoral realities of the BARMM. Through open discussion and collective reflection, the participants were able to raise their concerns, share their perspectives, and identify the challenges that may affect the freedom and quality of voters’ choices.

As the BARMM Parliamentary Elections approach, activities such as this underscore the importance of empowering voters with knowledge, critical thinking, fact-checking skills, and media literacy. Through voter education, IM4PEACE–Lanao continues to contribute to the development of an electorate that is informed, critical, responsible, and actively engaged in the democratic process of the Bangsamoro.

Follow the source: IM4PEACE Lanao Youth Consultation on BARMM Election in Marawi City