Comelec cancels Moro Ako Party registration for 2026 BARMM polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has definitively denied the Moro Ako Party's bid to reinstate its registration for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections. The poll body's en banc resolution affirmed the earlier decision to cancel the party's accreditation, citing material misrepresentation as the primary reason.

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Registration and Accreditation of Moro Ako Party as RPPP for the purposes of the September 14, 2026 [BARMM parliamentary elections] is hereby cancelled for material misrepresentation.

Initially, the Comelec granted a petition to cancel Moro Ako Party's registration after it was accused of declaring nonexistent party chapters in key cities and provinces within the BARMM region. The petitioner highlighted alleged misrepresentations regarding chapters in Cotabato City, Lamitan City, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur.

In its defense, the Moro Ako Party attributed the discrepancies to mere "typographical errors." The party also presented affidavits from election officers to verify the existence of some local chapters. However, the Comelec en banc found these explanations insufficient, characterizing the defense as "flimsy and unacceptable" and proceeding with the cancellation of the party's registration for the September 14, 2026, BARMM parliamentary elections.

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typographical errors

This ruling effectively disqualifies the Moro Ako Party from participating in the crucial BARMM elections, stemming from the alleged inaccuracies in its submitted documentation. The Comelec's firm stance underscores the importance of accurate representation and compliance with electoral regulations for political parties seeking accreditation.

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flimsy and unacceptable