COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The countdown is nearly over for one of the most historic elections in the Philippines, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) completed the crucial final testing and sealing of automated counting machines ahead of the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia personally witnessed the final testing and sealing process at the Cotabato City Institute on Saturday, September 12, as election officials raced to ensure that every machine, battery and security feature would be ready for voting day on September 14.
The testing is considered one of the final and most critical steps before millions of registered voters across BARMM head to the polls to elect members of the region’s first regular parliament.
Every Machine Put to the Test
Comelec said the Final Testing and Sealing process was designed to verify that the automated counting machines, or ACMs, are functioning properly and can accurately read and count ballots.
Election officials checked the machines, batteries, system codes and digital signatures before sealing the equipment for Election Day. Once testing is completed, the machines are returned to their cases and boxes, sealed and secured at voting centers until they are opened again for the September 14 polls.
Garcia said the early results of the testing showed that the equipment was ready for deployment, strengthening Comelec’s confidence that the historic election can proceed as planned.
The poll body had earlier said that all machines assigned to BARMM’s 5,212 precincts would undergo final testing and sealing as part of its preparations for the parliamentary elections.
More Than Just a Technical Test
The final testing comes as BARMM prepares to make a major transition—from governance under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to an elected regional parliament.
The September 14 election is the first regular parliamentary vote under the Bangsamoro Organic Law and is being closely watched as a major milestone in the region’s long-running peace and autonomy process.
BARMM’s parliament will have 80 seats, including 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives and eight sectoral representatives. The election will allow Bangsamoro voters to choose the lawmakers who will form the region’s first elected parliament.
After several postponements, the long-awaited parliamentary elections are finally set to move forward.
Millions Expected to Vote
Comelec earlier reported that approximately 2.393 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the BARMM elections.
Around 7,000 automated counting machines were delivered for the polls, including additional machines and batteries intended to provide backups in case of technical problems. Election materials were deployed across BARMM’s 105 municipalities and two cities as part of the massive logistical operation.
Comelec has expressed hope for a voter turnout of around 65 to 70 percent.
New Features Give Voters More Ways to Check Their Ballots
The machines being used in the BARMM elections also offer voters additional ways to verify that their ballots have been processed.
According to information released ahead of the polls, voters can view their ballot after it is processed and receive a printed receipt, providing additional safeguards and transparency in the automated voting process.
Comelec has also reminded voters to properly shade their ballots and avoid incorrect markings that could affect how the automated machines read their votes.
Power and Security Preparations Intensify
Election preparations have extended beyond the voting machines.
Comelec has coordinated with security and energy authorities to help prevent disruptions during Election Day, including possible power interruptions. The poll body said the automated counting machines have standby batteries capable of keeping them operational even during an extended power outage.
In Lanao del Sur, election officials reported that the province was already 99 percent ready for the polls, with 1,764 automated counting machines distributed and undergoing final testing and sealing. Minor technical issues encountered during preparations were reportedly addressed immediately.
The Biggest Test Comes on Election Day
With the machines tested, sealed and secured, Comelec has declared itself fully prepared for the historic BARMM parliamentary elections.
But while the final testing has strengthened confidence in the technology, the real test will begin when voters across the Bangsamoro region finally cast their ballots.
For BARMM, September 14 is more than just another election.
It is a defining moment in the region’s political history—and after years of transition, delays and preparations, the future of the Bangsamoro’s first elected parliament is now just one vote away.
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