‘Retain NOTA option in BARMM poll ballots’

MANILA, Philippines — An election watchdog is urging the Bangsamoro parliament to retain the “none of the above” or NOTA option in the ballots to provide voters a meaningful alternative during the first parliamentary election in the autonomous region.

The Legal Network for Truthful Elections or LENTE said the NOTA option is a legitimate and meaningful expression of voter dissent, formally registering public dissatisfaction with the choices presented.

The group made the call after the Bangsamoro committee on amendments, revisions and codification of laws approved Parliament Bill 396, removing the NOTA option from the ballots.

The watchdog also asked the Commission on Elections and civil society organizations to strengthen voter education on the value of choosing the option.