[4] The proposal was overwhelmingly accepted (99%) by the electorate and declared official on September 18, 2022, paving the way for the division of the province.

[9] Maguindanao North would have had the same composition as the former province of Shariff Kabunsuan, with Datu Odin Sinsuat as its designated capital.

During the 18th Congress in August 2019, Maguindanao 2nd district representative Esmael Mangudadatu filed House Bill No.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced that President Duterte signed into law the bill dividing Maguindanao on May 27, 2021.

[20] The United Bangsamoro Justice Party, the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, announced it is for division.

Mohagher Iqbal urged all of their members to vote "yes", saying "Dividing the province will bring the government closer to the people.

[22] Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato's prelate Angelito Lampon encouraged the faithful to vote, without stating preference on whether to divide or not.

[24][26] Poll watchdog National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), with other groups, described the plebiscite processes as smooth and peaceful;[27] cited generally quick voting process in polling sites and transparency in counting and canvassing of votes.

[28][29][30] While both NAMFREL and the poll watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) reported common problems encountered by voters, they observed in voting centers that COVID-19 protocols were not much enforced and followed.

[29][31] Observations from LENTE stated that voting influx peaked 30 minutes after the polling precincts opened, same duration later than expected.

[33][34] The position was issued on September 28, 2022, where the election body concluded that only the Department of the Interior and Local Government could appoint the first officials of the province.

[38] However, the Bangsamoro regional government refused to recognized the officials, taking note the "legal controversy" arising from postponing the plebiscite.

[40] On April 5, 2023, President Bongbong Marcos appointed his own Officer in Charge (OIC) officials in the two provinces.

[41] Ainee Sinsuat on October 13, 2022 assumed the position of acting governor of Maguindanao del Norte citing the province charter.

[38] On April 5, 2023, President Bongbong Marcos appointed Abdulraof Macacua as the Officer in Charge (OIC) governor of the province.

[42] On April 28, 2023, President Bongbong Marcos reappointed Macacua as the full pledged governor of the Maguindanao del Norte together with other officials of the provincial government.

[46] On October 13, 2022, Mariam Mangudadatu assumed the position of Maguindanao del Sur acting governor as per the provincial charter.

[48] However, Mangudadatu took oath as OIC of the province on April 28, 2023, ending the leadership crisis in Maguindanao del Norte.