Philippines’ Muslim-majority Bangsamoro region votes for first parliament

Nearly 2.4 million voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are casting ballots in the first parliamentary elections since the region was established in 2019. These elections, aimed at electing 80 members of parliament, are seen as a crucial step towards self-governance after decades of insurgency. However, violence erupted before the polls, with deadly incidents in Cotabato City and pre-shaded ballots found in Maluso, causing delays in voting.