Monday, January 21, 2019
As our fellow Filipinos in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) region go through the Bangsamoro Organic Law Plebiscite, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) encourages all eligible voters in the region, to exercise their right to vote. This is a defining moment in our country, as the outcome of the Plebiscite will determine the fate of the region and the country as well. We believe that this democratic process must be nothing less than an enabling mechanism for the people in the region to bring a more peaceful and prosperous change.
In support of this democratic process, NAMFREL, together with its provincial chapter chairpersons and hundreds of volunteers will monitor and observe the preparation and conduct of the Bangsamoro Plebiscite.
NAMFREL calls on all authorities; the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and its deputized agencies the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other stakeholders; to continue to ensure that the Plebiscite can take place in a secure and fair environment. We express our deep concern at recent reports that in some ARMM areas the use of electoral fraud, force, threats and intimidation is being employed to curtail the voters right to vote or influence it. We condemn these nefarious acts.
NAMFREL extends its support to the COMELEC in their role to deliver a plebiscite that truly reflects the will of the people and ensure its credibility. We stand by the people in the Bangsamoro areas, as they vote and decide on their future. The people in the ARMM deserve a free, fair, and peaceful plebiscite. We hope that the result of the Plebiscite would be a step towards self-determination so lasting peace, development and prosperity will reign in the region.
