Senior citizens among early parliamentary voters in Maguindanao Norte

Teresita Soria, 83, reviews her ballot early Monday morning, Sept. 14, in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte during the first BARMM parliamentary elections. Senior citizens were among the early voters who showed up at polling centers. (Photo by Amiel Cagayan) KABUNTALAN, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — Senior citizens were among the early voters who showed up at polling centers in Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, Sept. 14, as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) held its first parliamentary elections.

At Gayonga Central Elementary School in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte, elderly voters began arriving as early as 4:30 a.m., some accompanied by family members as they waited for voting to begin at 5 a.m.

Among them was Teresita Soria, 83, of Barangay Gayonga, who arrived at the polling center at around 5 a.m.

Despite her age, Soria said she wanted to personally cast a ballot and take part in what is a historic election for the Bangsamoro region.

“I’m used to waking up early and going out, so today I went straight to the polling precinct to vote. This election is important to us because whoever wins, we hope they will help address the problems in our community, especially flooding.” Soria said.

She said voting early would also allow her to avoid longer queues and the heat later in the day.

Soria added the election was particularly significant because voters were choosing representatives to the Bangsamoro Parliament.

At the polling center, some senior citizens were assisted by relatives, priority lanes were provided and voting proceeded smoothly.

Senior citizens, persons with disability (PWDs)and pregnant voters were given preferential voting privilege with a polling window from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. dedicated to them. /jpv