LANAO del Sur — For some Bangsamoro voters, the first parliamentary elections were about more than choosing leaders.
They were about whether a new government can deliver the peace, fairness and opportunities they have long been waiting for.
The historic polls were marred by reports of violence, irregularities and other election concerns in parts of the Bangsamoro. But in Lanao del Sur, some voters and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members said they were looking beyond election day.
They want the new parliament to improve everyday life, especially for young people.
Hadji Carim Usman, brigade commander of the MILF Northwestern Command, helped secure the polling area at Piagapo National High School in Barangay Rapadan, Piagapo, on Monday.
For Usman, taking part in the first parliamentary election was part of the MILF’s long push for a different kind of governance.
He said voting in his area was peaceful and fair.
“Ang parliamentary election ang ginagawa ng mga Mujahideen para maayos, mapalitan ang hindi magandang gobyerno para hindi makabalik ang mga tao sa hindi magandang sitwasyon,” Usman said.
His hope was not about political power.
It was about what government could do for ordinary families and the next generation.
“Yong magandang kinabukasan ng mga tao at magandang buhay at proyekto sa mga kabataan,” he said.
Peace must reach communities
Another Lanao del Sur resident and MILF member, Suhayli, said he hoped the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) would win more seats in parliament.
But beyond party numbers, he said the bigger goal should be peace and good governance.
“Ang hinihingi ng mga politician at mga MILF, sibilyan ay peace at kapayapaan,” he said.
For Suhayli, peace must also mean fair treatment and government services that reach people regardless of where they live or who they support.
He called on the incoming parliamentarians to make sure public funds and programs are properly implemented.
“Sana pantay-pantay at saka yong galing sa gobyerno na ibibigay sa inyo ay i-implement nyo,” he said.
That expectation is especially important for young Bangsamoro, he added.
For voters like Usman and Suhayli, the real test of the first parliamentary election will come after the ballots are counted.
It will be seen in whether communities become safer, government becomes fairer and young people gain better chances to study, work and build their future in the Bangsamoro.
