The military, which seized power in a coup after allegations of over 11 million instances of voter fraud in the 2020 elections, has stepped up preparations for the upcoming elections in November 2025.
During a meeting with the political parties on 24 August, the junta’s election commission officially announced that the elections would not be held on a single day for security reasons, but would be organized in phases.
The junta is also preparing to conduct a census in October this year, while the election commission continues to reject and approve party registration applications. The election commission has granted party registration to the Kumi National Party based in Paletwa Township, Chin State. The Zomi Congress for Democracy (ZCD) was also denied party registration but said it would continue to seek registration from the junta’s electoral commission.
Currently, junta troops are present in the towns of Hakha, Thantlang, Falam, Tedim, Mindat and Kanpetlet, and the Chin resistance forces are reportedly working towards their military goal of liberating Chin State by 2024.
In light of these circumstances, Khonumthung Media Group (KMG) has been collecting voices from Chin resistance forces, civil society organizations and local Chin communities on the military council’s preparations for holding elections next year and the impact on Chin State, Chin people and Chin resistance.
Salai Htet Ni, Spokesperson, Chin National Front (CNF/CNA)
The military junta has tried throughout the Spring Revolution to hold elections to form a legitimate government, but has not succeeded. But, it may be possible to hold elections in areas under its control, though not nationwide. Still, it won’t be completely legitimate. In Chin State, it could be possible in towns where there are junta positions, but the results of the elections will not lead to a functioning administration.
The reason is that the military junta has lost the support of 85 percent of Chin State and its people. We can confidently say that the people who support the Chin resistance are one with us and therefore have no confidence in the junta’s elections. The junta’s elections are merely a means for the military dictatorship to prolong its rule. So, I would like to urge everyone not to participate in the elections.
Salai Timmy, Spokesperson, Chin National Defense Force (CNO/CNDF)
The junta’s claim of seizing power because of the fraud of over 11 million votes in the 2020 elections is just an excuse. For now, it looks like holding elections is part of their exit strategy to escape their problems. And they seem to believe that elections are a must for the exit strategy to be valid in the eyes of the international community. But whether they can actually do this is questionable, as they only control about a third of the 330 townships in the country (around 90 townships). Even in these 90 townships, in times of unrest, there are doubts as to whether the elections can actually take place. Another issue is the parties; they claim that in a democratic multi-party election there are only about four or five parties nationwide.
Which party will contest in Chin State? Given the geographical location of Chin State and its military and political situation, the possibility of holding a successful election seems out of the question as the days of the junta in Chin State are numbered. If we look at the military and political situation at the national level, this election seems to be a way for the junta to gain international support for its losses in foreign policy. It is unlikely to happen, and elections without the participation of the people are impossible. And even in the areas ruled by the junta, there are uncertainties about holding elections. They just keep talking about something that is impossible.
Salai Van Sui San, Deputy Director, Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA)
Holding elections would be the last resort for the military junta. At the moment, we can see that the junta is weakening and losing ground on all fronts. At the national level, the junta’s control is declining in many areas, while the local resistance forces are gaining strength. I would describe this as a return to the old way. They plan to hold elections and change from military uniforms to civilian clothes to form a civilian government. Regardless of whether they hold elections or not, the armed forces involved in the Spring Revolution believe that their goal is more than just the realization of democracy.
This revolution aims to fundamentally change the entire system. I don’t think the elections will have much impact on Chin State. But we have to wait and see what voices come from the people who are currently facing difficulties due to the conflict. In Chin State, local resistance forces are approaching many towns due. The stronger the resistance forces become, the less likely it is that elections will be held in Chin State.
But, if the junta continues to use the proportional representation (PR) system, it is likely that the elections will not be held on one day, but in a way that suits them. That will depend heavily on them. The people’s desire for peace will also play an important role. Here we have to ask ourselves whether peace only means a change on the surface. If people can no longer bear the burden of war and try to flee, then there may be elections. But, I believe that elections won’t lead to the fundamental change that the Chin resistance forces are seeking. At the same time, the conflicts between the armed groups in Chin State may also have a significant impact on the situation.
A Falam resident
In Falam, 90 percent of the people believe that it is impossible to hold elections under the current circumstances. I think that the junta-led elections have no chance of being held at all. Since all this has happened, I think everyone feels that they have completely distanced themselves from the military council. But there may be some who want to take advantage of the situation in the face of hardships. There may also be those who want to cooperate with the junta for financial benefits. But it is impossible to hold elections in Chin State. There is also the question of who will lead it.
If you start from a self-government rather than a federal or confederal level, I think the military council elections are still a long way off. In Chin State, all nine townships are preparing to be self-governing and some townships are already working in that capacity. If the military council wants to deceive people in areas where it has no control, it will probably only do so through social media such as Facebook. In places where the junta is present, such as Falam and Tedim, the situation is such that there are not many people, and the question is who will even participate in the elections.
A Mindat resident
I think it will be quite difficult for the entire Chin State. In other states and regions, at the national level, things might go more smoothly. But I anticipate challenges in Chin State. Even though the results of the elections could be good or bad, it will be a big challenge for people to exercise their right to vote freely and fairly. When you are facing the barrels of guns, there are significant risks in voting as you see fit. And I would like to emphasize that it is not easy as long as fear hovers over people.
Sent by KMG.
