The military junta, which currently holds state power, is preparing to hold an election at all costs. They are making arrangements for electoral systems and timelines in advance, while pro-democracy forces continue to oppose these efforts.
There are also discussions underway on how to resist what many regard as an illegitimate, sham election being used by the military to gain international legitimacy.
On July 24, U Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office of the National Unity Government (NUG), stated that the resistance forces will strongly oppose the fraudulent election through various means, emphasizing that the military leader is expected to remove his uniform and present himself as a civilian president.
“Our revolution will continue as it is. We will not stop until we achieve our goals,” he said. “We have two tasks. First, we must prevent this illegitimate, fake election by all means necessary, in a way that reflects the people’s will. Even if they go ahead with it, it will change nothing from the resistance side. There won’t be any significant transformation. The revolution will go on until our goal is achieved—that’s the main message I want to emphasize.”
Resistance groups also stated that the military’s plan to use electronic voting machines will not only deceive the people but also manipulate international perceptions.
Colonel Yan Naing, a commander of the northern Ye People’s Defence Force (PDF), said,
“Our role is military—we’ll use military means to stop their election.”
The Union Election Commission (UEC) under the military junta has announced plans to hold elections in 267 out of Myanmar’s 330 townships.
Colonel Khun Okkar, chairperson of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO/NCA/S), questioned whether canceling the election means accepting the current state of governance, where all three branches—executive, legislative, and judiciary—are under the control of the military junta.
“If opposition groups want to cancel the election, the question is whether they are okay with leaving things as they are now. Is it because they’re content with the current situation, or is it because they believe a better path forward is needed?” he asked.
“Even those who say there’s no room for negotiation are starting to reconsider dialogue. So, those trying to stop the election at all costs may face shifting winds in the next six months. I believe the public will eventually decide whether to participate or not, and we’ll have to respect that. Simply claiming to cancel it and declaring success is irresponsible and makes one accountable for failure.”
He added that the people, too, are eager to overcome the current political crisis and are open to potential changes. The level of public participation in the election will be something to watch, and to some extent, the election might proceed with a degree of success.
Meanwhile, resistance groups have warned local administrators and non-CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) staff not to collaborate with the military’s electoral preparations.
