Macacua elected chief minister of the Philippines' Bangsamoro region

Abdulraof Macacua won 51 votes to 27 for Ahod Ebrahim at the inaugural session of the new Bangsamoro Parliament on Friday. Two members abstained.

The regular Parliament replaces the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which governed the region on an interim basis for seven years from 2019. Macacua and Ebrahim both served as its interim chief ministers.

No party won the 41 seats needed for a majority in the Sep 14 election. Macacua's Bangsamoro Federalist Party won 31, and allies brought his bloc to 51 of the 80 seats.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the opening and renewed national support for the Bangsamoro peace process and self-governance. The region has nearly 4.5 million residents.