THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) still undecided whether to grant or not former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) governor Nur Misuari's request for a special voters registration in Sulu.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal told Sun.Star that the request is still pending as of Wednesday.

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"I'm not so sure on the possibility of it happening. The en banc still has to decide on that," said Larrazabal.

The commissioner however assured that the poll body will "soon" come out with its decision.

Misuari said around 20,000 to 25,000 residents were not able to register because of conflict between rebels and the military in the province.

The former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman initially proposed that the special registration be held for two to three days but due to the limited number of computers, Misuari said it would probably take seven to 10 days to complete the registration process.

"Under these prevailing extraordinary conditions, a considerable number of new registrants were prevented and deprived of fair opportunity to be part of the Sulu electorate," said Misuari in his letter sent to Comelec chairman Jose Melo on November 9.

Misuari requested 19 municipalities to be allowed for the special registration. These are: Jolo, Indanan, Parang, Maimbung, Talipao, Patikul, Pangutaran and Panglima (Second District) and Siasi, Pandami, Tapul, Lugus, Pata, Panamao, Panglima Estino, Panglima Omar, Luuk, Tongkil and Kalinggalan Caluang.

Commissioner Lucenito Tagle earlier said that approving Misuari's request might cause delay in the preparation of the automation polls.

Misuari is reportedly running for the gubernatorial seat in Sulu in the 2010 elections. (Kathrina Alvarez/With PNA/Sunnex)