By ARTHA KIRA PAREDES
COTABATO CITY—Elections in some barangays in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday will be just a formality: There will be no real contest because a number of candidates are running unopposed.
Local politicos in these areas have opted to “negotiate” the elections as a way to avert violence in a place where political rivalries could turn violent, and at a time when elections are being held manually.
In Bumbaran town in Lanao del Sur, all candidates for barangay positions in all 17 barangays are running unopposed. This is good news for Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr.
“Alam nyo naman ang barangay, ito na yata yung pinakamainit at pinakamagulong election na idaraos ngayong taon (As you know, barangay elections are probably the most heated and most chaotic elections that will be conducted this year),” Adiong said in a speech at the flag raising ceremony at regional police headquarters in Camp General Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao earlier this month.
(Read more in VOTE 2013 ARMM-Watch)