Although internal and external disruptions may occur to prevent the election, the top military leader said the election will be held at all costs.
During a military commission meeting on August 12th, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing remarked that opposition groups may attempt various methods to block the election and that some foreign countries could also intervene.
“They will make it happen no matter what. Even if people don’t vote, they will still go ahead with those who do. What’s being said is that if voter turnout exceeds 50 percent, it can be claimed as public participation. That’s why they’re also preparing to force military deserters to cast advance ballots. The point is—they know people will reject them. But they’re trying to show that just by doing it this way, they can still hold an election, as a kind of challenge,” lawyer U Myint Maung commented.
The Arakan Army (AA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and the Karen National Union (KNU) have all stated that elections organized by the military council will not be allowed to take place in territories under their control.
KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu also said, “In most parts of Kachin State, the Burmese military is not in a position to hold elections. As for elections that may take place in the remaining town areas, the KIO central leadership has not issued any official decisions.”
The military leader also warned that during the election period, killings of military informants could increase.
The military commission has prepared to hold the elections in phases. It has tasked Lieutenant General Kyaw Swar Lin, Commander of coordination, with overseeing the operations to regain control of territories (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
In addition to the ethnic armed organizations, the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) that emerged from the Spring Revolution have declared their opposition to the elections. However, for security reasons, they have refused to disclose how and in what form they will resist.
