The first wa'lī, Khalipha Usman Nando, was appointed by the interim Bangsamoro Parliament on March 29, 2019, during its inaugural session.

[3] The holder of the position has the legal right to perform the following ceremonial functions: Moral guardianship of the region; preside over the opening of the Bangsamoro Parliament; administer oaths of office; dissolve Parliament on advice of the Chief Minister; call for the election of a new Parliament, and attend various public ceremonies.

[4] The tenure of the Wa'lī is six years, except the first holder of the position which was appointed by the interim Bangsamoro Parliament, headed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority which would hold office for only three years.

They must be a registered voter in the Bangsamoro and a resident for at least 15 years, able to read and write in Filipino, English, and Arabic, as well as have no prior conviction of any criminal or administrative offense.

The Wa'lī is elected by Parliament from a list of eligible individuals prepared by the Council of Leaders.