MANILA, Philippines – A poll watchdog called on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament to retain the “none of the above” or NOTA option in ballots for the region’s first parliamentary elections, saying it would be a “substantive democratic mechanism” to reflect voter dissatisfaction.

On Monday, January 19, the regional parliament’s committee on amendments, revision, and codification of laws approved the removal of the NOTA option “to simplify the voting process and prevent confusion among voters,” according to an update from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) on Tuesday, January 20, urged the BARMM Parliament to reconsider, pointing out that the NOTA option would “allow voters a genuine and meaningful alternative choice in the Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections.”

The ballots in question are the ones that would be used in the predominantly Muslim region’s first parliamentary elections, which will see voters elect 40 regional political parties and 32 parliamentary district representatives. Eight more representatives will come from sectoral groups.

Prior to the aborted October 30, 2025 parliamentary elections, there were concerns that the option would affect the electoral process in a situation when the NOTA – listed on the ballots alongside the parties and candidates – garners more votes than the political groups and individual bets vying for seats in the parliament. (READ: How one line of law hangs over the BARMM elections)

But LENTE Philippines said the same option has been used in other countries to capture public dissatisfaction and is therefore consistent with the norms of democratic elections.

“Even as a symbolic vote, NOTA functions as an important barometer of political legitimacy, sending a clear signal to political parties, candidates, and institutions that citizens expect higher standards of leadership, accountability, and governance,” the group said.

Meanwhile, BARMM interim chief minister Abdulraof Macacua signed Tuesday the law redrawing the parliamentary districts, an important step towards the conduct of the region’s first regular parliamentary elections.

– Rappler.com