Myanmar opposition leaders reject Military-planned election as illegitimate

Mizzima

Leaders of Myanmar’s opposition and ethnic representatives have condemned the military’s election, asserting that it lacks legitimacy and will not lead to peace or political stability in the country.

This criticism emerged during an online public panel discussion moderated by journalist Sein Win. The panel included Zin Mar Aung, Foreign Minister of the National Unity Government (NUG); Khun Myint Tun, Chair of the Pa-O National Federal Council (PNFC); and Sithu Maung, a member of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH).

All three speakers stated that the military’s election plan does not reflect the people’s will and cannot address Myanmar’s ongoing political and armed crisis. They noted widespread public resistance, including nationwide Silent Strikes, as clear evidence of the population’s rejection of the elections.

According to the panelists, participation in census collection and election preparations has been remarkably low nationwide, despite threats of arrest and severe punishment. They argued that this lack of public consent undermines the internal legitimacy of the election.

The speakers also pointed out the exclusion of significant political parties that won the 2020 general election, such as the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD). Furthermore, even the parties permitted to participate in the military-organized election have raised complaints regarding voter lists, advance voting procedures, and the absence of an independent electoral body.

Khun Myint Tun emphasized that the Union Election Commission, which is under military control, cannot function as a neutral referee. He cautioned that an election conducted under these conditions would only reproduce authoritarian rule in another guise.

The panelists expressed skepticism that the election would gain international recognition. They highlighted that the process violates ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and UN Security Council Resolution 2669, and has already been dismissed by democratic governments and international institutions, including the United Nations and the European Union.

The speakers rejected the notion that participating in the election could facilitate political reform from within the system. They asserted that there is no political freedom under martial law, no space for free campaigning, and no protection for elected representatives. They also mentioned that prior attempts to reform the military-drafted 2008 Constitution through parliament had failed even before the military coup in 2021.

“A criminal election will produce a criminal parliament and a criminal government,” Khun Myint Tun stated during the discussion.

The panelists warned that the election would not resolve Myanmar’s conflict, insisting that armed resistance, civil disobedience, and public opposition would persist. They highlighted ongoing political dialogues among revolutionary forces, including the NUG, the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), ethnic resistance organizations, and People’s Defense Forces, independent of the military.

Zin Mar Aung noted that the NUG’s international efforts focus on preventing the military from representing Myanmar abroad, including at the United Nations, while working to strengthen recognition of democratic resistance forces. She contrasted the 2020 election, which took place in 274 townships, with the military’s three-phase polling, which covered only a limited number of areas due to ongoing conflicts.

The panelists reiterated that their opposition to the election is part of a broader struggle to end military supremacy and establish a federal democratic system based on civilian rule. They pointed out that in areas under resistance control, efforts are underway to establish local governance and community administration despite continued airstrikes and security threats.