Results from the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections can be known as early as an hour after voting closes at 7:00 pm, according to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia. Speaking in Davao City at a press conference at Aria Hotel and Residences on Tuesday, Garcia outlined deployment plans, transmission technology, and early voting schedules for the upcoming 14 September 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections across BARMM.
During the press briefing, Garcia stated that winners for each parliamentary district may be identified in a “matter of one hour.” He added in Filipino that authorities can know who topped the votes for the political parties and sectoral organizations across the entirety of Bangsamoro within that same timeframe.
Counting Machines and Starlink Transmission Infrastructure
To handle the workload, COMELEC has allocated 7,000 counting machines for the 5,212 precincts across the region. Officials have also arranged an excess of 1,218 machines to be distributed at 10 machines per town.
Garcia explained that counting machines can transmit results in a “matter of two minutes.” This transmission occurs after crucial procedures are completed, which include the formal closing of the machines at 7:00 pm and the destruction of remaining unused ballots in front of poll watchdogs and representatives of political parties.
To support data transmission, COMELEC has arranged for one Starlink unit for every four precincts. Garcia noted that these Starlink units will be placed lower rather than as high satellites so data can transmit faster even when clouds are present.
Did You Know? COMELEC has planned an excess of 1,218 counting machines—distributed at 10 per town—to support the 7,000 machines allocated across the 5,212 precincts for the Bangsamoro polls.
Early Voting Hours and Security Deployments
Earlier on Tuesday, Garcia delivered a keynote speech at the 2nd Bangsamoro Parliament Speakers Bureau during the Training of Trainers on Bangsamoro Electoral Code at the Aria Hotel and Residences. He detailed that the polls will involve 5,212 precincts across BARMM, with teachers deployed as early as 2:00 AM.
These preparations support early voting hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, which are exclusive for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters, along with their assistors. Recalling past elections, Garcia noted that participation during these early hours reached 4.3 million voters, calling the schedule a “big relief for them.”
To manage the precincts, around 20,000 to 21,000 electoral board members—primarily teachers, along with principals and support staff—will undergo two weeks of training starting next week. Additionally, 3,000 police personnel from Regions 9, 11, and 12 will be deployed and are required to be certified by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Frequently Asked Questions
When will election results become available?
According to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, results can be known as early as an hour after voting closes at 7:00 pm on 14 September 2026.
Who is eligible for the early voting hours?
Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters, along with their assistors, can vote during the exclusive early voting hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
What technology is being used to transmit election results?
Counting machines will transmit results in a matter of two minutes, supported by Starlink units placed lower rather than as high satellites, with one Starlink allocated for every four precincts.
How will the deployment of 3,000 DOST-certified police personnel impact local security during the voting process?
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