Comelec postpones barangay, SK polls in Mindanao

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has postponed the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Mindanao due to the continued imposition of martial law on the island following the outbreak of fighting between government troops and militants in Marawi City in May.

In an 11-page resolution on Tuesday, the Comelec en banc deferred the holding of the elections as it awaits Congress’ decision on the fate of the Oct. 23 barangay and youth polls for the rest of the country.

The Comelec cited the existence of “lawless violence and rebellion, which formed the basis for the declaration of martial law in the area” in arriving at its decision.

“The Comelec determined that it had found sufficient basis to postpone the polls, pursuant to Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez. He said the code authorized the poll body to postpone elections when conditions, such as violence and terrorism, existed, making it impossible to conduct free, orderly and honest elections.

The poll body said incumbent barangay and SK officials in Mindanao would remain in office following the elections’ postponement. Martial law in Mindanao will be lifted on Dec. 31. —Julie M. Aurelio