Chin resistance says regime election not solution to crisis; Naypyidaw wants safe and secure polls in December

Chin resistance says regime election not solution to crisis

Chin resistance forces told DVB that the regime’s elections scheduled to begin in December “do not represent” the people in Chinland since out of its nine townships, regime forces only control the state capital Hakha with partial control of Thantlang Township, located 22 miles (35 km) west of Hakha, and Tedim Township 117 miles (188 km) north of Hakha.

The two factions of the Chin resistance control Kanpetlet, Tonzang, Mindat, Matupi and Falam townships. Paletwa in southern Chinland was seized by the Arakan Army (AA) in January 2024. Salai Yaw Man, the Chin Brotherhood spokesperson, told DVB that the regime’s election is “not a solution” to the country’s crisis since the 2021 military coup. 

A Chin political analyst told DVB that due to the electoral system in Burma parliamentary seats in Chinland could be won by candidates from pro-military political parties since only three Chin parties are among the 58 registered with the Union Election Commission (UEC). The 2008 constitution states that each township elects two representatives who will form each region or state parliament.