Philippine watchdog urges BARMM to retain NOTA option
Election observers warn removing ‘none of the above’ could weaken voter choice in Muslim region’s first parliamentary polls
MANILA, Philippines (MNTV) — A Philippine election watchdog has urged the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament to reverse its decision to remove the “none of the above” (NOTA) option from ballots for the region’s first parliamentary elections.
The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) said the NOTA option serves as a substantive democratic mechanism, allowing voters to express dissatisfaction with available parties and candidates in a meaningful way.
The appeal followed the approval earlier this week by the BARMM Parliament’s committee on amendments, revision and codification of laws to drop NOTA from ballots, citing the need to simplify voting procedures and avoid voter confusion, according to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
LENTE argued that retaining NOTA would provide Bangsamoro voters with a genuine alternative choice, particularly in elections that will shape the political foundations of the autonomous region.
The ballots are intended for BARMM’s first parliamentary polls, in which voters are set to elect 40 regional party representatives and 32 district lawmakers, alongside eight sectoral representatives.
Ahead of the previously scheduled but postponed October 30, 2025 elections, concerns had been raised that NOTA could complicate the process if it were to receive more votes than competing parties or candidates.
However, LENTE said similar options are used internationally to measure public discontent and are consistent with democratic norms, even when the vote is symbolic.
“NOTA functions as an important barometer of political legitimacy,” the group said, adding that it sends a clear signal to political actors that voters demand higher standards of accountability and governance.
Meanwhile, BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Tuesday signed into law the redrawing of parliamentary districts, a key procedural step toward holding the region’s first regular parliamentary elections.
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