Former Muslim rebels lead results in first election held in southern Philippine region

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Candidates from parties associated with a former rebel group appeared to be leading the first elections in a predominately Muslim region in the southern Philippines, official results showed Wednesday. The election was a significant step forward for self-rule in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , which was rocked by deadly uprisings for decades until a 2014 peace deal in which Muslim rebels agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for a promise of autonomy. Parties descended from the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front led the polls, but with none taking a majority it remains unclear who will be able to form a government in the regional parliament. Commission on Elections Chairman Erwin Garcia said the final voter turnout was 84% of nearly 2.4 million voters. The region covers five provinces, three cities and 63 additional villages.

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