SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao – Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al Haj Murad cast his vote in the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite Monday at the Simuay Junction Elementary School here amid fighters and supporters chanting “Alahu Akbar” or “God is Great.”
Like many of the “mujahideen” or freedom fighters, it was the first time in Murad’s life to vote.
Surrounded by security escorts, Murad went inside the room and took a short rest inside a sofa beside Mayor Tucao Mastura. As he stood in front of an election officer, Murad told the media: “First time kong bumoto.”
The election officer called his real name “Ebrahim, Ahod Murd Balawag” and handed him his ballot.
Back at the sofa, Murad said he was excited and happy to vote. “Very excited, also very happy,” said the MILF chief before filling up his ballot.
“We have arrived at this point when we are from the bullets to polls,” Murad said, adding that the plebiscite was “very historic.”
Murad showed the indelible ink on his thumb after voting and said: “This signifies the transformation from armed struggle to democratic process.”
The MILF chief said that he is hopeful that the BOL would be ratified to able to establish the Bangsamoro government. “We are very hopeful, we are optimistic that this BOL will be an instrument for peace.” (Keith Bacongco and Zea Capistrano)
