This study delves into the electoral practices within the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of the Philippines, specifically examining Abra, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. It employs Punctuated Equilibrium Theory to understand how political institutions and decision-making processes shape election outcomes, with a particular emphasis on fostering peaceful elections. The research assesses the awareness, observance, and performance of key electoral participants: COMELEC officials, candidates, and voters, while also evaluating the government's handling of election-related challenges. The findings reveal that stakeholders across all three provinces generally possess a high level of awareness regarding principles that support peaceful elections, such as the significance of voter education. However, the observance of these principles is often inconsistent. For instance, respect for voter choice and adherence to the directives of traditional elders are less consistently practiced, indicating a disconnect between knowledge and action. Although the performance of electoral stakeholders is generally rated positively, challenges persist in mobilizing voters, frequently due to security concerns. This highlights the critical need for enhanced security measures and initiatives aimed at building trust. Furthermore, government responses to election problems do not always align with the perceived severity of the issues, suggesting a need for more strategic and responsive interventions. In Abra, which remains an election hotspot, respect for candidates is high, yet adherence to traditional elder guidance is low, reflecting the ongoing tension between modern electoral practices and traditional norms. Kalinga and Mountain Province, no longer categorized as hotspots, exhibit similar patterns: high awareness but persistent challenges concerning voter choice and traditional norms. Socio-cultural factors, such as respect for elders and clientelism, continue to influence electoral practices, even amidst modernization and institutional reforms. The study recommends strengthening voter education, improving electoral security, enhancing government accountability, and promoting collaborative governance. It proposes replacing the term "election hotspot" with "province of interest" to mitigate negative connotations and suggests rotating COMELEC and security personnel to prevent undue local influence. Future research should investigate the impact of social media and misinformation and explore voter experiences in greater depth.

Keywords: Punctuated Equilibrium Theory; Electoral Practices; Peaceful Elections; Cordillera Administrative Region, Voter Awareness.