Groups unite vs poll violence

COTABATO CITY — Seven big groups promoting good governance, human rights and Muslim-Christian solidarity have set up an election monitoring system to ensure peaceful and clean elections in southern Moro communities on May 12.

The nonpartisan Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) will be jointly operated by the nongovernment Institute for Autonomy and Governance, National Citizens Movement for Free Elections, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting-Cotabato City, Climate and Conflict Action Asia and the Coalition for Social Accountability and Transparency.

Launched on May 5, the IEMC, located inside the campus of the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City will monitor the May 12 elections and disseminate information through partner media on possible election-related violence that need policy and military intervention.

The IEMC will also operate in the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in October, Benedicto R. Bacani, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, told reporters. — John Felix M. Unson