Rakhine politicians say December elections ‘unrepresentative’; Charges filed against 10 trade union leaders

Rakhine politicians say December elections ‘unrepresentative’ 

Politicians from Arakan State told DVB that the regime’s December polls will not represent the Arakan people as Naypyidaw controls only the state capital Sittwe, the deep sea port town of Kyaukphyu, and Manaung Island, while the remaining 14 townships are under Arakan Army (AA) control. Under the constitution, voters will elect two representatives from each township to form the region or state parliament.

Khaing Thukha, the AA spokesperson, told media at a press conference on Monday that the ethnic armed group will not allow the regime’s elections to take place in territory under its control. He added that it would not be “beneficial” for Arakanese. The 2020 general elections were not held in Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon and Mrauk-U townships due to conflict in Arakan.