The Ramonnya Mon Army has warned that holding elections without first resolving the country’s political crisis could lead to intensified conflict. The statement was issued on the occasion of the 78th Mon Revolution Day.
According to reports, the military leadership plans to hold elections later this year to enforce the 2008 Constitution and legitimize military rule.
The Ramonnya Mon Army announced it would not accept or participate in such elections, stressing that proceeding without addressing the underlying political issues would only escalate hostilities. It also stated that any political parties participating in the election would be seen as supporting the extension of military dictatorship.
The group urged the public to join them in opposing what they described as a sham election and the ongoing forced military recruitment, both of which, they said, are designed to prolong military rule.
The 78th Mon Revolution Day, marked on August 8, was celebrated at the Mon National Party headquarters, in areas under its control, and in townships across Mon State.
Mon Revolution Day commemorates August 8, 1948 (Wagaung full moon day, 1310 ME), when Mon nationalist youth leaders Nai Pan Thar and Nai Maung Thein, along with 27 others, seized defense weapons from Zarthapyin village. This year marks the 78th anniversary of that event.
