Philippines’ Muslim-majority Bangsamoro region votes for first parliament

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1. 10h ago

   Bangsamoro Region Holds First Parliamentary Elections Amid Violence

   The Muslim-majority Bangsamoro region in the southern Philippines has conducted its first parliamentary elections to select 80 members of a regional parliament. Unofficial results suggest no clear winner, making coalition talks likely to determine the first elected chief minister. The voting process was marred by instability, including two explosions in Cotabato City on the eve of the polls and reports of election violence that left three people dead. The outcome will decide the leadership of the autonomous region as it transitions to an elected legislative body.

   Why it matters

   The Bangsamoro region has a history of conflict and is an autonomous area in the southern Philippines. These elections represent a shift toward a parliamentary system where the elected members then choose a chief minister.

   What is confirmed

   • The Bangsamoro region in the southern Philippines held its first parliamentary elections.
   • Voters are choosing 80 members of a regional parliament.
   • The elected parliament will choose a chief minister during its first session.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Three people were killed in election violence.
   • Two explosions occurred in Cotabato City on the eve of the polls.
   • The Bangsamoro Federalist Party and United Bangsamoro Justice Party are among the leading parties based on partial unofficial results.
   • The election is likely to result in a hung parliament.

   What to watch next

   • Official certification of the election results
   • Formation of a governing coalition to select the chief minister
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. Al Jazeera — Philippines’ Muslim-majority Bangsamoro region votes for first parliament
   2. Reuters — What is the Philippines' BARMM regional election and why does it matter
   3. AP News — A Muslim region in the southern Philippines votes in its first elections
   4. Al Jazeera — ​Bangsamoro’s parliamentary election is a turning point
   5. usnews.com — Voting Starts in Philippines' South After Three Killed in Election Violence
   6. Inquirer.net — 2 explosions reported in Cotabato City on eve of BARMM polls
   7. The New York Times — Landmark Vote Held in Restive Muslim Autonomous Region in the Philippines
   8. AP News — What to know as a Philippine region with a history of conflict holds its first parliamentary polls
   9. WFLA — A Muslim region in the southern Philippines votes in first elections
   10. Rappler — Here are the results of 2026 BARMM parliamentary elections
   11. 10TV — Muslim region in southern Philippines holds first elections
   12. www.mercurynews.com — Muslim region in southern Philippines holds first elections
   confidence 80%