Regime elections set to take place in four townships of Karenni State

The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced that a total of 87 parliamentary candidates in Karenni State will run in four constituencies during the first phase of the regime elections on Dec. 28, including the capital Loikaw, Bawlakhe, Hpruso and Demoso townships. 

“The Kayin State People’s Party, Union Solidarity and Development Party, People’s Pioneer Party, and National Unity Party, will compete for the elections,” the UEC stated on Oct. 26.

The regime declared martial law in three out of seven Karenni townships: Shadaw, Hpasawng and Mese, which were seized by Karenni resistance forces after they launched an offensive on Nov. 11, 2023. 

A resident in Loikaw Township told DVB that the state’s regime administration demanded that everyone check voter lists this month to see if their names are on them. 

They are also urging those displaced from their homes due to fighting between regime and resistance forces to return prior to the start of the three-phased elections that will continue into January 2026.