The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is optimistic that the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on October 13 will have a high voter turnout.

In an interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said: "I'm optimistic that the voter turnout in the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will be high."

He cited the May 2025 national and local polls as a reason he is optimistic.

Garcia recalled how the Comelec itself wasn't expecting the 82.2 percent voter turnout, the highest in the country's history of midterm elections.

"This means that sometimes, based on our estimate, this is what we expected, but it turns out as not being the case," said Garcia.

Garcia said a voters information drive set to be launched by the Commission regarding the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.

"There is enough time for everyone to be given information about the benefits of the parliamentary elections, and why it is important to vote," said Garcia.

On Saturday, the Comelec held the mock polls in select towns of Lanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi.

A total of 399 out of 400 expected voters cast their ballots.

The results were transmitted to the Regional Board of Canvassers past 11 am, also on Saturday. DMS