The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) thanked the Maguindanaoans for taking part in the historic plebiscite on Saturday, 17 September 2022, where they voted on whether or not they agree in dividing the province into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

LENTE, however, observed that proper health protocols were not maintained in most of the voting centers as majority of the voters were not wearing face masks.

In a number of voting centers, there were Armed Forces, other security personnel and barangay officials inside the voting centers which was in conflict with the law which prohibits any officer or member of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to enter the voting centers unless there is actual disturbance or disruption of peace and order.

LENTE also observed that many Voters' Assistance Desks in majority of the voting centers were absent and left unprepared. Meanwhile, the closing of gates of voting centers after the voting period prevented observers and watchers from witnessing the counting of votes.

LENTE called for a more stringent enforcement of electoral laws to stop and halt election offenses and violations.

Read LENTE's full observations here: