UBJP Candidate Holds Narrow Lead in BARMM SGA District 2 Race

MANILA, Philippines – Elaysa Enalang, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party’s candidate, is poised to secure the Special Geographic Area’s (SGA) 2nd District seat in the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections, holding a narrow lead over her closest competitor. As of 11:44 pm on September 14, with 95.40% of precincts reporting, Enalang had garnered 20,954 votes. This places her just 755 votes ahead of independent candidate Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding Jr., who secured 20,199 votes. Enalang, a former municipal administrator of Kapawalan town, is also the younger sister of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Kapalawan provincial committee commander Datu Kineg Enalang. She has served as a parliament member and health minister of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority since 2025 and previously held the position of regional health secretary in the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Trailing in third place is Dulia Dandalanin Sultan of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party, with 13,662 votes. Sultan is a teacher and barangay chairperson of Nunguan, Malidegao, and comes from a family with significant public service experience; her daughter and husband are the mayor and vice mayor of Pikit town in Cotabato province, respectively, while her son-in-law serves as the vice mayor of Pigkawayan, Cotabato. Should Enalang be declared the winner, she will serve a special five-year transition term from October 30, 2026, to June 30, 2031. She will join the 32 district representatives who constitute 40% of the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament. The outcome of this election is significant for the political landscape of BARMM, potentially influencing regional governance and stability, especially concerning the dynamics with the MILF and various local political factions.