Cotabato City’s Ramadan Fair to be closed for canvassing of votes

DAVAO CITY — To give way for the canvassing of votes, the Bangsamoro administration will shut down for two nights the Ramadan Trade Fair that features diverse choices of food for Muslims observing the fast in Cotabato City.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Bangsamoro administration announced that the trade fair would be closed on Monday, the day of the country’s midterm national elections and on Tuesday, the canvassing of votes.

“The temporary closure is intended to give way to the canvassing of ballots coming from Cotabato City and the different municipalities in Maguindanao,” the statement from the Office of the Chief Minister said.

The trade fair at the open grounds of the Bangsamoro administration compound highlights different stalls that offer a diverse selection of food for Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan.

“The canvassing of ballots will be conducted at the BARMM’s Regional Legislative Assembly and Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, both located inside the BARMM compound. Tight security measures will be implemented inside the compound on the said dates,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, only vehicles with car pass issued by the Intelligence and Security Service of the Office of the Chief Minister will be given access inside the compound from Monday to Tuesday. Karlos Manlupig (Editor: Leti Boniol)