The simulation exercises for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections (BPE) in three areas were successful, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Saturday.

Based on the end-monitoring report of the Comelec, 10 clustered precincts from Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte and Tawi-Tawi reported 100 percent success from start to finish, with all votes counted and all automated counting machines successfully transmitting the results.

Actual voters participated in the simulation exercises.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia and Commissioner Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal, along with other stakeholders, witnessed the simulation activities for the automated election system to be used for the Sept. 14 polls.

A monitoring center for the BPE simulation exercise was also set up at the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila.

“I am happy with our preparations for the Bangsamoro [Parliamentary] Election because, from May 5 to 7, when we conducted filing of candidacy, it was very peaceful. This is the first time in the Bangsamoro that there was no untoward incident, no violence. The PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) are telling us that we are in full control of the situation,” Garcia said in an interview.

“This is the first election here in the Bangsamoro, the first time that the pictures of the candidates are on the ballot. The logos of the political parties are on the ballot. These were implemented first in the Bangsamoro [election] before the national [election].”

Garcia assured that the BPE will push through as scheduled.

“Currently, we don’t have a TRO (temporary restraining order) from the Supreme Court. There is no law postponing the Bangsamoro [Parliamentary Election]. For us, the September 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election will be conducted,” he said.

“We are following our calendar of activities to prove to our countrymen, as far as the Comelec is concerned, there’s no doubt, there will be an election.” (PNA)