Bangsamoro Parliament prepares for transition following historic elections

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is transitioning from an interim government to a fully elected parliamentary system following the first regular parliamentary elections held on September 14. With a voter turnout of 84 percent, more than 2 million registered voters participated in the process.

The 80 elected members of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament are scheduled to assume office on October 30, 2026. Their primary responsibilities will include organizing the parliamentary government, passing regional laws, approving budgets, and electing a Chief Minister to head the executive branch.

In anticipation of the new parliament, the Bangsamoro Grand Coalition (BGC), which secured 15 seats, has expressed openness to coalition-building with other major parties. The BGC indicated a willingness to work with the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), which won 31 seats, and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), which won 30 seats, to form a united front for the region.