The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reopen the registration process for political parties and sectoral organizations for the now-postponed Bangsamoro parliamentary polls.
"Comelec must reopen the application process to ensure that regional political parties and sectoral organizations can participate meaningfully in the electoral process," LENTE said.
"Appropriate certifying Ministry, Regional Agency, or Office within the Bangsamoro Government should likewise re-open their certification processes for sectoral organizations," it added.
This after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the law postponing the first parliamentary polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 12 May to 13 Oct. 13 this year.
Republic Act No. 12123—which pushed back the BARMM polls by five months—was signed by Marcos on 22 February.
In a statement on 23 February, LENTE acknowledged that a five-month postponement is more reasonable than a one-year delay.
Moreover, LENTE also recommended that Comelec amend the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024 to redistribute the seven seats originally allocated for Sulu.
"We urge the Bangsamoro Parliament to ensure that the amendment process is consultative, inclusive, and transparent through the public consultations that will be conducted," LENTE said.
It also asked the poll body to include a "None or the Above" option in BARMM poll ballots to empower voters "to express disapproval of all candidates desired."
"The ballot design should feature party logos, candidate photos to ease voting for vulnerable voters," it added.
Lastly, it urged Comelec to release a comprehensive voter education plan and to implement educational programs in communities, schools, and institutions.