Bangsamoro Faces Coalition Talks After No Party Wins Parliamentary Majority

DAVAO CITY — The Bangsamoro is entering a new political phase as parties begin negotiations to form a coalition government after no single group secured a majority in the region’s first parliamentary elections.

The Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) emerged with 31 seats in the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament, while the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) won 30 seats. The BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) secured 15 seats, with four seats going to other parties and sectoral representatives.

A party needs at least 41 seats to form a majority and elect the region’s Chief Minister and Speaker of Parliament.

That puts coalition-building at the center of the next stage of Bangsamoro governance.

The BFP and UBJP could reach a majority by joining forces, while the BGC could also play a key role in determining the composition of the next government. Other elected representatives may also become part of coalition negotiations.

The BGC has said it is open to working with both major parties and plans to hold discussions focused not only on political positions but also on finding common ground for the Bangsamoro.

Beyond leadership positions, the incoming Parliament will inherit major unfinished work from the Bangsamoro peace process, including the remaining normalization and decommissioning commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The 80 newly elected Members of Parliament are scheduled to begin their term on October 30, 2026, marking the start of the Bangsamoro’s first elected parliamentary government.

Source: MindaNews