Philippine Muslim autonomous region draws 109 candidates for 1st election

But Sulu exclusion and threat of armed groups cast shadow over peace in Mindanao

Candidates register for the planned 2025 parliamentary election in the Philippines' Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Photo by the Commission on Elections)

YUKI FUJITA, Nikkei staff writer

November 14, 2024 06:22 JST

MANILA -- Preparations are underway for the first parliamentary election in the Muslim autonomous region of the Philippines, though a recent Supreme Court ruling and a stalled disarmament drive loom over the efforts.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or BARMM, is scheduled to hold its first parliamentary election in May. A total of 109 candidates and eight political parties declared their intention to run for the regional legislature during the filing period through Saturday.