The Commission on Elections-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (COMELEC-BARMM) is gearing up for the first parliamentary elections on March 30, 2026, after the polls set originally for October 13, 2025 was postponed.

COMELEC said the new schedule is in line with COMELEC Resolution No. 11181, which outlines the calendar of election-related activities.

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) will be held from January 5 to 9, 2026, while the election period will run from January 29 until April 14, 2026.

The campaign period will also start from February 12 to March 28, 2026.

“That is in response kasi under the Supreme Court decision, kailangan we will have the election not later than March 31, 2026,” COMELEC-BARMM Director, Atty. Ray Sumalipao, said.

COMELEC-BARMM is now conducting training and refresher sessions for members of the electoral board.

The poll body is also working on securing additional funding for the election and a new contract for the automated counting machines (ACMs).

“Although we are using the same machines, yung automated machines, but we will be procuring another contract dahil nga yung contract na nauna ay yung paggamit ng May 12, 2025 na National and Local Elections,” Sumalipao added.

It can be recalled that the parliamentary elections were deferred due to the Supreme Court ruling declaring the districting laws, Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts 58 and 77, unconstitutional.