Date Published: May 2, 2025

BARMM Citizens Poll Helps Voters Choose Rightful Local Leaders

Cotabato City, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is seeing a shift toward more informed and participatory elections through the help of the BARMM Citizens Poll, a survey and research initiative designed to guide voters in choosing effective and accountable local leaders.

The Citizens Poll, conducted by a consortium of civil society organizations and academic institutions, collects data on public opinion, voter priorities, and community concerns across the Bangsamoro region. The results aim to support evidence-based decision-making among voters, especially ahead of the 2025 regional parliamentary elections.

According to organizers, the initiative provides valuable insights into leadership performance, service delivery, and policy issues that matter most to the region’s diverse population, including Moro,  Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and settler communities.

“Through the Citizens Poll, we are helping voters shift focus from personality-based to issue-based politics,” one organizer said. “This is vital in a region still undergoing political transition.”

The poll employs surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to gather data on a range of governance issues, including health, education, peace and order, and development programs. The findings are disseminated publicly and shared with local leaders, government agencies, and election watchdogs to improve policy alignment and promote accountability.

Voters in remote communities say the poll gives voice to ordinary citizens, particularly youth, women, and IPs, who are often left out of political consultations.

“The results reflect what we truly feel on the ground,” said a youth leader from Maguindanao del Norte. “It helps us understand who really deserves our vote.”

Election officials and advocacy groups have also acknowledged the role of the poll in reducing misinformation and promoting peaceful and informed voting.

As the BARMM transitions under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, observers say the Citizens Poll is helping to shape a more inclusive democratic culture, where people’s voices matter in selecting the region’s future leaders.

The next round of the BARMM Citizens Poll is expected to be released later this year ahead of the election period, providing updated data to guide both voters and candidates.