The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), headed by Al-Hajji Murad Ebrahim, Monday barred its political and military leaders from any participation in the May 2010 local and national elections.

Ebrahim said officials found violating the prohibition “will be dealt with accordingly under the MILF judicial system.”

Apparently, this is a reiteration of the Moro revolutionary group’s practice of non-involvement in political exercises.

MILF Deputy Chairman Ghazali Jaafar signed a memorandum order (MO) in behalf of Murad titled “No participation/Hands-off in Philippine Elections.”

The MILF believes that an election as a way of choosing leaders is divisive, the MO issued on December 29 made clear.

Democracy in the Philippines, the MILF said, has not given Filipinos the best leaders.

“You are hereby directed to abide by the provisions of this Memorandum banning all political and military officers of the MILF in all levels to participate in the 2010 national and local elections. This so-called democratic system of choosing leaders is not only divisive and acrimonious and creates animosities and intrigues, but it also failed miserably to produce the best and qualified people to lead the people. Usually, those with ‘gold, guns, and goons’ get elected, and the consequence is, a corrupt and strife-torn society is in place,” the memorandum order said.

“In this regards, you are hereby specifically prohibited to participate in political campaigns/rallies, to deliver campaign speeches on stage during campaigns/rallies, to solicit campaign funds, and to allow candidate/s to use one’s vehicles during the election period,” the MILF said in the MO.

Only the officials, political or military, are covered by the prohibition. The MILF’s civilian supporters and rank and file are free to participate in the 2010 political exercise, although they are not encouraged to exercise their suffrage.