Voting starts in Philippines' south after three killed in election violence

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Voting Starts in Philippines' Bangsamoro Region After Violence

   Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are casting ballots in the territory's first parliamentary elections. Nearly 2.4 million registered voters are choosing 80 members for the regional legislature, who will subsequently select a chief minister during their opening session. Security remains heightened following pre-election violence that left three people dead and 15 wounded on the eve of the polls. Observers indicate that coalition talks are likely because no single party dominates the political field in the southern region.

   Why it matters

   The historic vote represents a critical test for peace and development initiatives in a southern Philippine territory historically plagued by separatist conflict and extremism. The regional parliament is being chosen for the first time since the establishment of the autonomous governance structure. Election outcomes will dictate the political leadership of the legislature through an internal chief minister vote.

   What is confirmed

   • Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are participating in the first elections for the territory's 80-member parliament.
   • Elected parliament members will select a chief minister during their first session.
   • Nearly 2.4 million registered voters are participating in the polls.
   • Pre-election violence left three people dead and 15 wounded.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Coalition talks are likely because no party dominates the region.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the parliamentary elections
   • Formation of coalition talks among political parties
   • Selection of the chief minister by the newly elected 80-member parliament
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. The New York Times — Landmark Vote Held in Restive Muslim Autonomous Region in the Philippines
   2. AP News — Muslim region in southern Philippines holds first elections
   3. aljazeera.com — Coalition talks likely as no party dominates Philippines’ Bangsamoro region
   4. www.mercurynews.com — Muslim region in southern Philippines holds first elections
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   confidence 95%
2. 1d ago

   Violence marks start of first BARMM regional elections in southern Philippines

   Voting began Monday in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under heightened security. Pre-election violence on the eve of the polls left three people dead and 15 wounded. Nearly 2.4 million registered voters are participating in the first elections for the region's 80-member parliament. The legislature will select a chief minister following the results. The process serves as a test for peace and development efforts in a territory previously defined by extremism and separatist conflict.

   Why it matters

   The region experienced a peak of instability during the 2017 siege of Marawi City by militants linked to the Islamic State. These elections represent a transition toward formal governance in the Philippines' only Muslim-majority autonomous region.

   What is confirmed

   • Voting began Monday in the Muslim-majority south of the Philippines.
   • Three people were killed and 15 wounded in violence on the eve of the election.
   • Nearly 2.4 million voters are registered to elect an 80-member parliament.
   • The BARMM legislature will choose a chief minister after the vote.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Two explosions occurred in Cotabato City on the eve of the polls.
   • The region was previously torn by separatist conflict and extremism.

   What to watch next

   • Announcement of the 80-member parliament results
   • Selection of the BARMM chief minister
   • Reports on security incidents during the remainder of the voting period
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Reuters — What is the Philippines' BARMM regional election and why does it matter
   2. AP News — A Muslim region in the southern Philippines votes in its first elections
   3. Reuters — Voting starts in Philippines' south after three killed in election violence
   4. Yahoo — Philippine Muslim enclave heads to polls after deadly shooting
   5. Inquirer.net — 2 explosions reported in Cotabato City on eve of BARMM polls
   6. www.timeslive.co.za — Voting starts in south Philippines after three killed in pre-election violence
   7. www.wionews.com — Philippines elections: Three shot dead, 15 wounded ahead of polls
   8. interaksyon.philstar.com — Voting starts in BARMM after three killed in election violence
   9. www.dubaieye1038.com — Saudi Arabia says danger passed in six cities, including Yanbu
   confidence 90%