According to party leaders, Mon political parties planning to contest the upcoming election to be held by the military junta are facing security concerns.
Although campaign activities and party operations can be carried out smoothly in areas fully controlled by the military junta, such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw, party leaders say the situation in Mon State is significantly different.
Clashes are ongoing in the border areas of Mon and Karen States, and party leaders say they frequently face scrutiny and harassment under the pretext of supporting the military junta.
“There are many challenges. Security is a major concern. The first and biggest challenge is, if we decide to participate in the election, how exactly will we participate? And then, who will be responsible for ensuring security during the process? These are very serious issues,” said Nai Than Shwe, spokesperson for the Mon Unity Party (MUP).
The military junta’s Union Election Commission granted party registration to the Mon Unity Party (MUP) on September 9, 2024.
During meetings between political parties and the Union Election Commission chairpersons, questions and discussions were held regarding campaigning, public rallies, and the security of parliamentary representatives; however, the commission did not provide any specific guidelines.
Due to the current military and political situation, it is estimated that out of the 10 townships in Mon State, elections may only be possible in certain areas of Thanbyuzayat, Mudon, Mawlamyine, Chaungzon, Paung, and Kyaikmaraw townships, as well as some wards and villages in Ye Township.
Under the law of the military junta’s Union Election Commission, a political party is required to contest in a minimum of three constituencies. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to the cancellation of the party’s registration.
Nai Myo Tint Lwin, a leader of the Mon Progressive Party, which plans to contest in Karen State, told the Independent Mon News Agency, “there are difficulties in some townships. In urban areas, there aren’t many problems, but in rural and remote border areas, there are significant challenges. Some places are even inaccessible. There are areas where it would be very difficult to hold an election. That’s how I see it too, we’ll have to watch and see how things develop.”
Political parties are questioning how the constituencies where elections cannot be held due to security concerns will be handled or redefined.
Although the military junta has announced plans to hold the election in the upcoming December, it has not yet issued the relevant electoral laws, nor has it set a defined campaign period for political parties.
