Muslim Groups Appeal For Honest, Peaceful Polls

MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / 05 May) - The Ulama League of the Philippines and the 16 Royal Sultans in Mindanao on Saturday urged candidates in the May 14 national and local elections to make the polls honest, orderly and peaceful.

The two influential groups also called on citizens to help make the elections clean.

"It is high time for us to open our doors to new possibilities for our country by participating to make the coming elections meaningful, clean, honest, accurate and peaceful." Dr Mahid Mutilan, president of the Ulama League of the Philippines.

"Let us join together by helping the Commission on Elections and other law enforcers prevent any untoward incident within our capabilities."

Sultan Buzar Disomimba, chairman of the 16 Royal Sultanate, also appealed to Muslims and Christians to “help transform the crisis of disempowerment, distrusts and disillusionment, into coordinate collaborated action that will bring about new hope, new movement, new life tantamount to make our nation a strong republic,” according to the Philippine News Agency.

”Let us stand together regardless of race, color and religion to the challenge of rebuilding our democratic institutions by discovering not what only we criticize, but by discovering and actually doing our positive share in renewing our society,” Disomimba said.

The Philippine News Agency also said the Lanao Muslim Professional (LAMUSPROF), issued guidelines in electing leaders in Lanao del Sur province and Marawi City.

It said the candidates for any elective position must be religious and devoted Muslim, educationally qualified, development oriented, physically fit with appropriate experience.

“The candidate must be trustworthy, honest, active leader, environment oriented, has good standing in the community and financially capable,” said Datu Minah Dianalan, the group’s president.

Aleem Elias Macarandas, president of the Philippine Muslim Welfare Society and member of the Muslim World League Organization, said: “The Muslims must cast their votes honestly in favor of the candidates whom they believe capable of serving the best interest of our country while refrain from vote buying, fraud and resorting to arms to have a credible election and display of the true essence of Jihad.” (With reports from the Mindanao Examiner)

Finally, Mindanao Sultans Are Given Due Recognition

MANILA - President Gloria Arroyo has created an advisory peace council in the 16 Royal Sultanates recognized in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon and in the cities of Marawi and Iligan in the southern Philippines.

President Arroyo signed an executive order creating the Lanao Advisory Council, will advice the government on matters concerning or affecting areas in Mindanao where the 16 Royal Sultanates are recognized. It will also facilitate the settlement of conflicts and assist in the implementation of government programs.

“The 16 Royal Sultanates have manifested their willingness to participate and contribute towards the development of Mindanao and the promotion of peace in their area,” President Arroyo said.

Each of the 16 Royal Sultanates will have equal representation in the council, she said.
Arroyo said the Lanao Advisory Council would be provided an annual fund of one million pesos for its administrative and operational expenses.

Sultans in the Philippines are largely ceremonial and holds no power over the governemnt, but they are highly regarded by many Muslims and still exert strong influence in areas where they rule. (With a report from Jason Carlos)