KNU Denounces Myanmar Junta’s Election as Unlawful, Illegitimate

The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s longest-standing ethnic armed organizations, on Tuesday condemned the junta’s upcoming election as unlawful, joining other revolutionary groups in denouncing the polls.

The Myanmar regime has announced that the first phase of the election will be held in 102 townships on Dec. 28, with the dates of subsequent phases to be announced soon.

Most Myanmar people reject the polls, seeing them as the junta’s illegitimate bid to cement its grip on power. With opposition groups either barred from running or refusing to take part, the election has been dismissed as a sham by Western governments as well as the UN.