MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Kazalimbago Movement (KM), a local reform initiative, is spearheading a civil society effort to ensure safe, honest, and peaceful elections in Lanao del Sur ahead of the 2025 national and local polls.
KM President Noni Lao emphasized that Kazalimbago is not a partisan group but a partner in promoting credible and peaceful elections.
She said KM contributes through voter education, election monitoring, volunteer deployment, and coordination with stakeholders across the province.
“Hindi kami kaaway, bagkos kaagapay kami sa pagbabantay ng kapayapaan at malinis na botohan,” Lao said.
(We are not opponents. We are here to help ensure that the elections are peaceful and clean.)
Lao was a speaker at the 2025 Candidates Forum and Peace Covenant Signing held at the Dimaporo Gymnasium in Mindanao State University Marawi on April 15. The event was organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Lanao del Sur, the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, Philippine Army, and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LDSPPO).
She said the peace covenant represents a commitment to ensure the elections are free from intimidation, vote buying, and violence.
“This significant activity will bind the political candidates to promote commitment to non-violent support for the electoral process, encourage unity and cooperation, and promote peaceful campaign throughout the election period. This will give enlightenment to the candidates on what we are advocating – Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Election or HOPE,” she added.
KM originated from a 2012 electoral reform initiative by the Lanao del Sur People’s Council (LDSPC), responding to electoral violence and fraud. The LDSPC, in collaboration with COMELEC, the Army, and the LDSPPO, worked to ensure an orderly, “hakot-free” voter registration process. The initiative led to the formation of the bigger reform coalition, now known as Kazalimbago, which means change or reform.
Over the years, KM has developed into a network of civil society organizations, educators, election officials, media, and volunteers focused on supporting democracy and protecting voter rights in the province.
KM’s activities for the 2025 elections will continue throughout the campaign and election period, focusing on documentation, reporting, and citizen engagement.
Lao urged all stakeholders—government, candidates, and communities—to support the goal of a credible and peaceful election. “All of us here are responsible for safe, accountable, transparent, and inclusive elections that uphold integrity and inspire public confidence,” she said. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
