Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7 EAO Alliance, a coalition of seven ceasefire-signatory ethnic armed organizations, said that while elections are a part of the democratic system, there are concerns about the election given the current situation.
While some political parties and neighboring countries support the election planned by the military council, there are also groups opposing it. Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt voiced fears that the election could lead to more harm than good.
“From our perspective, we understand elections as a part of the democratic system, a process that must inevitably be undertaken. However, for an election to be part of this process, it requires not only the cooperation and participation of the people but also stability and peace in the areas where it is held, which we believe is essential,” said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.
He continued: “But given the current situation in our country, the level of public cooperation and participation needed for an election is unlikely to materialize as we would hope. The stability and peace in various regions are also severely disrupted. To put it plainly, we have significant concerns about holding an election.”
The junta has announced plans to hold the election in December this year or January next year. In Mon State, only Ye Township might face challenges in conducting the election, while other areas are deemed feasible, according to Nai Tun Lwin from the Mon Progress Party.
“As far as Mon State is concerned, our situation is relatively better compared to other regions. Even so, we still have a larger area under control compared to other regions. For example, compared to Karen State or Tanintharyi Region, we’re in a slightly better position. In the mainland, areas like Yangon or Ayeyarwady are different—they’re relatively stable.”
Nationwide, intense armed conflicts continue, with the junta conducting airstrikes and artillery attacks on a daily basis.
In northern Shan State, ethnic armed groups face pressure from China, while the junta employs advanced weaponry in its assaults, possibly to facilitate the election, according to Lawyer U Kyee Myint, a political analyst on Myanmar.
“They’ve threatened to use advanced weapons. When the MNDAA retreated, the junta gained confidence and turned its pressure on the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). It seems China also wants the TNLA to withdraw from areas like Nawnghkio and Kyaukme. So, they’re applying pressure. But the TNLA is resisting with its own strength. In this context, the junta wants to hold elections in areas like Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, or even Lashio if possible. With China emphasizing the importance of elections, the junta keeps acting so with their support.”
Analysts also suggest that the military council could escalate fighting to reclaim territories controlled by ethnic armed groups along border trade routes, beyond just holding the election.
The election, seen as a potential political exit strategy for the military council, faces opposition from revolutionary forces. The National Unity Government (NUG) has vowed to disrupt it entirely.
Sent by IMNA.