Hatamanand 'ARMM polls must be fair, peaceful'

COTABATO CITY -- Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) today called on all peace-loving people in the region to help work andpromote peaceful elections. In a statement issued Thursday, Hataman said violence and corruption have no place in the five province region composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. He said ARMM has made great strides - despite the challenges of prejudice and judgment - as the region has fought long and hard for reforms and good governance. Together, we have sought reforms and strengthened institutions that were once thought of as impossible, Hataman, who is seeking his second term as regional governor, said. We are the home of the Bangsamoro, the Lumad, and the settlers, and it is this diversity from which we draw our greatest strength, he added. Hataman said Bangsamoro leaders have worked hard to improve the lives we share with each other, lives that we devote to our families, and lives that drive development in our communities. The coming elections, Hataman said, is yet another opportunity to shape the future of Bangsamoro region by voting fairly and peacefully. He said the election is a democratic exercise, where every one stands to claim their rights, and this exercise must be fair and peaceful, free from intimidation and fear. It is therefore imperative for all party leaders and candidates to set the standard, and to impress upon their supporters that violence and corruption have no place in the elections. They must commit to an electoral process that does not condone, let alone encourage, violence, Hataman said. He reminded all the people of the region, more than 2 million inhabitants of Moro, Christian and Indigenous Peoples, that the result of this year's elections will determine how leaders will confront the challenges the region face today and will shape the future for ARMM children. We have worked tirelessly to establish a government that is accountable to the people, and the elections is but another opportunity for us to build on our gains, Hataman said. It is our responsibility as a community of equals who put a premium on humanity to help keep the peace, whether our side wins or loses the count. In an election where violence reigns, nobody wins, Hataman said, adding the only option is peace.