Comelec worried over delayed Bangsamoro redistricting law

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is concerned that delays in passing a redistricting law by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) could jeopardize the inaugural Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

Former BARMM interim chief minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim warned that the absence of a redistricting law would likely derail the region's political transition and could invalidate the polls.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia stated that the BTA missed its November 30 deadline for the law's passage, causing the commission to be in a quandary about proceeding with the elections.

A senior BTA official, however, said the parliament was working to pass such a measure before the end of December.

Delays in passing a districting law have stalled Comelec's preparations, with officials saying they cannot finalize logistical plans without clear legislation.

Ebrahim cited a law prohibiting any change to precinct or territorial boundaries within 120 days before an election, making current timelines legally untenable.