Reported by Chit Min Htun, Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) recommends the government exchange information between government troops and RCSS troops during the 2015 elections, in order to prevent clashes.
“It is the best not to have clashes during the elections. If there is fighting during the election, there is less chance for the elections to be free and fair. So, both sides have to consider this and proceed with our activities. In particular, we would like to urge the exchange of information. If no information is exchanged on whether the other [enemy] sides troops come into the territory by mistake or intention, we will have misunderstandings and can open fire. So, it is very important to exchange information, “ said Colonel Sai Hla, spokesperson of RCSS, which is also known as the Shan State Army (SSA).
Colonel Sai Hla also said that troops from each side should not go to another [opponent] side’s base but be restricted to it’s own territory. We should all respect the military code of conduct.
Fighting is intermittent in regions of Kutkhai and Namkhan, northern Shan State, between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and government troops, while the RCSS troops have been engaged in fighting with government troops in areas throughout Konheim Township.
Likewise, in Kachin State, because clashes are prevalent in areas of Sumpra Bum and Putao, the voter-list has yet to be gathered and the areas for the election constituency so there is uncertainty for the election in these areas, according to Dr. Tu Ja, the chairman of Kachin State Democracy Party (KSDP).
2015 elections is set to take place on November 8 as announced by the Union Election Commission (UEC), and at the moment, respective political parties have begun their election campaigns across Burma.
The government and ethnic armed groups already conducted discussions for inking the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). However, although they have made a preliminary agreement to sign the NCA in the first week of October, the precise date is yet to be set
