BARMM ballots have ‘none of the above’ option – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — Ballots to be used in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections in October will have a “none of the above” or NOTA option and bear photos of candidates, according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the official ballots for the first-ever parliamentary election in BARMM would also feature the logos of political parties.

“It has been decided that the ballots for the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections would contain the pictures of candidates as well as logos for party representation,” Garcia said.

Voters could tick on the NOTA option if they do not prefer any of the candidates, he added.

Garcia said all the additional features on the BARMM official ballots are provided under the Bangsamoro Election Code.

According to Garcia, the Comelec might call for another filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) in areas affected by the distribution of the seven seats from Sulu.

Garcia clarified, though, that it is unlikely for the Comelec to reopen the registration and accreditation of political parties and sectoral organizations.