The upcoming election, organized by the military-appointed Election Commission and scheduled for December, will combine a winner-takes-all system with proportional representation. It is also reported that an electronic voting system will be used nationwide for the first time.
However, ongoing preparations for the election lack transparency and fail to attract public interest, according to an election expert.
In Mon State, voter lists posted on township administration offices’ bulletin boards contain numerous errors and duplicate names, prompting ongoing revisions.
Citing security concerns, the expert discussed how the current preparations differ from previous elections and the challenges observed under the military commission’s organization.
Question: How does this election preparation differ from previous ones?
Answer: It’s quite different. The current situation itself is unlike before, and the commission’s preparations reflect that. Their processes, including the release of voter lists, are neither open nor transparent.
Activities such as encouraging people to check their names on voter lists, setting up polling stations, and voter awareness campaigns—all these efforts are far weaker than in previous elections. Both the political parties and the commission appear much less active and engaged than before.
Question: Specifically in Mon State, what major differences have you observed?
Answer: The main difference is that, unlike in past elections, some areas can no longer host polling stations due to so-called “security concerns.”
For example, although the commission has announced elections will be held in Ye Township, polling stations will only be set up in a few urban areas such as Ye, Lamine, and Khawza. Rural areas won’t have polling stations, meaning many residents there will be unable to vote. That’s a significant difference.
Question: Based on your observations, have you found errors or inconsistencies in the voter lists or other election data?
Answer: Yes, voter list errors exist — duplicate names, inaccuracies, and so on. Local representatives and political party members are encouraging residents to verify their information. When discrepancies are found, they’re submitting correction forms — Form 3, Form 15, etc. — to request revisions. So, adjustments are ongoing at the local level.
Question:Given the lack of public interest, what do you predict about the election outcome?
Answer: I don’t think the results will be as strong as those of the 2020 election. The current political and social climate is entirely different from 2010, 2015, or 2020.
With low public engagement and limited campaigning, I expect weaker results overall. Still, the election will produce some kind of outcome — but likely not one that reflects widespread public will.
Question: What political consequences might follow from this election?
Answer: People’s expectations are low — at the very least, they want basic safety, livelihood stability, and relief from rising prices. Achieving that will require gradual, step-by-step progress.
Broadly speaking, there’s little to be optimistic about. The country’s peace process is stagnant, the government machinery is dysfunctional, and the administration is weak.
Only when a functioning government emerges and systems begin to operate properly will the public start to see tangible benefits.
Question: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Answer: Some people think, “Even if I don’t vote, the election will happen anyway.” That attitude is common. But we can’t stop the election from happening—what matters is how much space we can create within this flawed process.
The public’s welfare depends on how far responsible actors can extend their influence within this limited framework.
Citizens have two duties: the right and the responsibility to vote. If people refuse to vote, the better life and security they hope for will remain out of reach.
Question:Some argue that since this election is organized by a commission under a violent military regime, it may not be appropriate to participate. How would you respond?
Answer: I still believe voting is appropriate. Even if the election is led by the military-appointed commission, or by any other authority — say, a national security and economic committee — the act of voting itself represents a pathway to political change.
That’s why I encourage participation. Regardless of who organizes it, elections remain the starting point for political transformation.
