The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are jointly undertaking a Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) for the September 14, 2026 Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines – the region’s first parliamentary elections since the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Building on ANFREL and NDI’s respective engagements in BARMM, including ANFREL’s 2025 Pre-Election Assessment Mission and NDI’s support for electoral and political participation initiatives since 2021, the first phase of the TAM assessed political, legal, institutional, electoral, and security developments following the postponement of the elections. Particular attention was given to conditions affecting broad political participation and the risks of electoral and political violence.

The first-phase field assessment was conducted from July 18 to 29, 2026, with teams deployed across Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, and the Special Geographic Area, with additional engagements in Cotabato City and Marawi City. During the 12-day deployment, the mission conducted 105 stakeholder consultations – comprising 93 key informant interviews and 12 focus group discussions – involving 221 participants. 

Following the completion of this pre-election assessment, ANFREL and NDI released the Pre-Election Assessment Report for the First BARMM Parliamentary Elections. This issue of Data Dive highlights the report’s key findings and recommendations, as well as the mission’s next steps as the assessment continues through the electoral cycle.

Why these elections matter

After successive postponements, the BARMM Parliamentary Elections scheduled for September 14, and subsequent transition to an elected Parliament, will represent a significant milestone in the implementation of the political track of the Bangsamoro peace process, one broadly supported by the stakeholders engaged by the mission. The perceived fairness and credibility of the upcoming elections will be crucial for the acceptance of the outcomes, post-election stability, and the continuation of the peace process. At the same time, important commitments under the normalization track remain outstanding, including the provision of socioeconomic support to former combatants and progress on transitional justice.

The first-ever BARMM parliamentary elections are part of a broader peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, aiming to bring a negotiated political settlement to the years-long armed conflict and provide self-governance and economic normalization for the region. Stakeholders interviewed by the mission unanimously hailed the upcoming parliamentary elections as a historic milestone in implementing the political track of the peace process. Enshrined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, this political track establishes the country’s first parliamentary system of governance and lays the groundwork for a transition of power from an appointed Bangsamoro Transition Authority to a democratically elected legislative assembly.

The Technical Assessment Mission noted robust electoral preparations, generally positive stakeholder confidence in COMELEC and the BEO, substantial security coordination, vibrant multiparty competition, and important measures to broaden political and sectoral representation. At the same time, the elections are taking place amid heightened political polarization and persistent risks of localized violence, intimidation and controlled voting; repeated and relatively late legal changes; structural barriers to meaningful participation; disparities in campaign resources; and challenges affecting voters’ ability to make informed choices.