An interview with Nai Myo Tint Lwin, top leader of the Mon Progress Party (MPP), regarding the meeting between 51 political parties and the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), including discussions on security for the upcoming election.
The anti-terrorism teams formed by the military council will be tasked with ensuring security during the elections scheduled for 2025.
Nai Myo Tint Lwin, the top leader of the MPP, who attended the meeting, quoted the NSPNC, stating that the NSPNC held a meeting with 51 political parties in Nay Pyi Taw on 5-6 December.
According to the MPP, the meeting covered discussions on topics such as amendments to the 2008 Constitution, election and security issues, and the political parties’ experiences during their tour to India.
The Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) interviewed Nai Myo Tint Lwin, the top leader of the MPP, who attended the meeting between the political parties and the NSPNC, regarding the discussions on security measures for the upcoming election.
Q. What were the key points discussed in the meeting with the NSPNC?
A: Four key areas were discussed at the meeting: (1) amendments to the 2008 Constitution, (2) sharing of experiences from the political parties’ tour to India, (3) the building of the union and federal democracy, and (4) election and security measures for the upcoming 2025 election.
In these four key areas, approximately 72 points were discussed. Under the topic of constitutional amendments, there were five points. The tour to India covered 11 points related to the implementation of democracy. The section on “democracy and federal building” included 27 points, while the topic of “election and security” addressed around 30 points. However, I am unable to provide the details at this time, as all the points have not yet been fully confirmed.
Q: What directives were given regarding the topic of “election and security”?
A: The political parties discussed the issue in broad terms. Regarding the security sector, opinions were divided—some people support the security provided by the military, while others oppose it. The issue was widely debated. By the end of the discussion, it was noted that there are approximately 7,000 anti-terrorism personnel across the country, aged between 35 and 65. This group is not an armed militia. Additionally, around 3,000 individuals have received training as armed security personnel. During the upcoming election, the junta plans to deploy 1,000 of these trained members for election security. Furthermore, those who wish to join other regional teams will be provided with both training and salaries. The group will be referred to as the “anti-terrorism team,” and their uniforms will not resemble military attire, with possible colors being blue or azure. The NSPNC has stated that they will ensure security during the election.
Q: How will the military council address the security concerns raised by the political parties?
A: Regarding the current situation, the military has yet to provide a clear response. Some political parties have stated that parliament cannot be convened at this time. They also mentioned that if the military is unable to take further action, it should refrain from acting. The political space for parties has become more restricted, and they are unable to take meaningful action. Furthermore, the military is unable to provide security for the political parties.
No one is showing interest in the party’s organizing campaigns. They also say that the election should not be held at a time when commodity prices are high and job opportunities are scarce. They also say that the election is not a political exit. However, Russia, Ukraine, and Thailand have expressed their willingness to assist Myanmar if the election takes place. They said the election shall be held in November 2025.
Q: What did the political parties report, discuss, and demand during the meeting?
A: We focused primarily on democracy and federalism during the discussion. A total of 17 groups addressed election security. It is almost certain that the election will be held in phases, with seven regions and states excluded from the process. Tanintharyi Region is on the list of those excluded, though this was mentioned informally, not during the official meeting. The upper house of parliament will use Proportional Representation (PR), while the lower house will adopt the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system.
This has not been confirmed for certain yet. Another point I raised was the need for an emergency provision. Before and during the election, we must establish a law to address circumstances that could lead to violence. The aim is to create a safeguard to prevent the election from being sabotaged. The military council also expressed support for this idea.
They will try to issue an emergency provision in time to address potential threats from those who might resort to terrorism, blame, or defame the election.
Q: What are the Mon Progress Party’s current activities related to the election?
A: According to the regulations, the Mon Progress Party operates similarly to the Mon Unity Party (MUP). We are currently in the process of opening offices in townships across Karen State, including Hpa-An, Kawkareik, Kyainseikgyi, and Hlaingbwe. The list of 15 members of our central executive committee has been submitted to the Union Election Commission (UEC). However, the lists of central committee members and party members are still in progress and have not yet been submitted. We have also lost contact with our party members in Kyainseikgyi due to a lack of phone and internet access. Conducting the population and household census in Kawkareik has proven difficult. Our election preparations are facing numerous challenges and obstacles.
Q: Given the current narrow political framework and the growing armed struggle, what is the Mon Progress Party’s stance for the future?
A: We are currently trying to amend the 2008 Constitution, but major changes have yet to be implemented, and no key amendments have been established so far. The 2008 constitution is not stable for the existence of an official Mon political party. It is elastic. For instance, it is the coup or power retention. As far as we know, the state of emergency can be extended twice. However, I don’t know how many times the state of emergency is extended. There is no limit.
The 2008 Constitution is weak and appears to give those in power the freedom to act as they please. It does not provide a solid foundation for a democratic system. The question of whether armed groups can be disbanded remains unclear. Given the uncertainty around this issue, we aim to address it through official channels and established rules. Another concern is that without Mon parties, other parties will take their place, and the Mon people may shift their support to these parties. To clarify, many Mon people in Hpa-An, where we have been active, are currently aligned with the Karen parties. This is why we remain committed to ensuring that Mon politics remains active and continues to represent the interests of the Mon people.
Sent by IMNA