President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called on voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to exercise “wisdom, dignity and respect for one another” as the region holds its first parliamentary elections, a major milestone in its continuing transition toward self-governance and lasting peace.

In a video message released on election day, Marcos urged every qualified voter to participate in the historic exercise and help protect the integrity of the ballot and the peace that made the democratic process possible.

“As you choose the representatives, you will constitute the first democratically elected Bangsamoro Parliament,” Marcos said.

He described the election as a milestone in BARMM’s continuing journey toward lasting peace, democratic governance and meaningful self-determination.

“I therefore encourage every qualified voter to take part in this momentous event with wisdom, dignity, and respect for one another,” he said.

The first regular parliamentary polls are a key step in the region’s transition from the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority to an elected regional government, building on the peace process that led to the creation of the BARMM.

A total of 2,393,202 registered voters are expected to cast ballots for representatives to the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament.

The Parliament will consist of 40 regional parliamentary political party representatives, 32 district representatives and eight sectoral representatives. Voters will choose one political party, one district representative and six sectoral representatives

Marcos urged voters to choose leaders who can strengthen Bangsamoro institutions and contribute to the development of Mindanao and the country.

“May the votes that you will cast help us identify good leaders who can strengthen the institutions of the Bangsamoro and contribute to the progress of Mindanao and the entire nation,” he said.

He likewise called on voters and stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the elections and preserve peace throughout the exercise.

“As we nurture our Bagong Pilipinas, may the choices that we make further deepen our sense of civic duty, and forge stronger bonds that hold us together as one nation,” Marcos said. (PNA)