Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced Wednesday that the poll body is fully prepared to conduct the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections and the special election in Cavite’s 4th Legislative District.

Campaigning for both elections officially opens Thursday, 30 July, Garcia said. The Cavite special election is scheduled for 29 August, followed by the BARMM parliamentary polls on 14 September.

Garcia said he and fellow commissioners will travel to Marawi on Thursday to monitor the launch of the campaign period and ensure compliance with election laws.

“To our countrymen in the Bangsamoro, campaigning starts tomorrow,” Garcia said. “We appeal to the candidates to observe campaign rules and regulations, and we urge them to avoid using non-biodegradable materials.”

Garcia issued a strict warning against the misuse of government assets and warned that candidates caught abusing state resources face disqualification and criminal prosecution.

“We will disqualify candidates who violate the rules. Do not abuse state resources,” Garcia said. “We will not hesitate to disqualify candidates and at the same time file appropriate criminal charges against them.”

Comelec officials are scheduled to meet Thursday with leadership from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to finalize security and logistical plans.

Verification of official ballots is complete, Garcia cited, adding that fewer than 1 percent proved defective and have already been reprinted.

The ballots and voting machines are currently being packed for distribution and will be ready for shipment to precincts by the first week of August.