The Military Junta’s Union Election Commission granted registration to the Mon Unity Party (MUP) on September 9, under the Political Party Registration Law, Section 9.
However, this decision has sparked criticism among the Mon community. Many view the MUP’s willingness to cooperate with the military junta and participate in upcoming elections, despite nationwide opposition, as a betrayal. Opinions from Mon youth and the broader community regarding the party’s stance have been gathered.
A Mon youth from a social organization expressed his dissatisfaction:
“I don’t support it at all, in fact, I fully oppose it. Since the coup, the MUP has ignored the voices of the Mon people and youth. They have failed to protect us in any meaningful way. For example, they didn’t defend the community during the Dhammasa fire, even though they had previously campaigned in the area. They offer no real service to the people. We, the Mon youth, do not accept their registration as a political party, and we will oppose them in every way. Even if elections are held, it won’t solve the political crisis, because armed resistance remains strong, and no one, including the Mon people, supports formal negotiations at the table. Still, I believe the elections will go ahead.”
A youth from Ye Township shared his mixed feelings:
“We have two perspectives on the MUP’s registration. Is this a chance to pause political and military chaos, or are they giving the Mon a role in order to silence the conflict? We haven’t reached that level yet, but right now, we Mon youth are focused on joining the resistance.”
Another Mon youth living abroad questioned the party’s motives:
“When asked about the MUP’s registration, I want to turn the question back on them. While the NMSP AD, and other Mon resistance groups like the MNA, MSDF, and MSRF are fighting, what is the MUP doing? Other ethnic groups are taking up arms, so why are we, and our political parties, staying passive? Right now, resistance movements are growing across the country, including among the Mon, Rakhine, Kachin, and Karen. These ethnic groups also have political parties, but they haven’t stopped fighting. I believe we should pursue both paths: political dialogue and armed resistance.”
A Mon business owner from Thanbyuzayat added his perspective on the upcoming elections:
“If they push ahead with the election in this way, then yes, it will happen. If they force their way through, it will succeed. But even if the election happens, it won’t resolve the political issues properly. It will be a one-sided victory, and no major parties will contest it. The junta won’t have full control either. They’ll try, but they won’t be able to implement democracy as it should be. Even before the election, people are already struggling with hardships, and these difficulties won’t disappear after the vote. I don’t think the public will be fully invested in this election either.”
This variety of perspectives reflects the Mon community’s deep skepticism toward the MUP and its alignment with the military junta, as well as doubts about the efficacy of the upcoming election in addressing the country’s political turmoil.
