Although local people are suffering due to military service, political party candidates say nothing about the issue during their campaign period, according to an observer monitoring the election situation in Mon State.
“Local people are suffering because they are forced to find new military recruits almost every month, but the candidates are not saying anything about it,” an observer monitoring the election situation in Mon State, Nai Seik, said.
With just over 10 days left before the first phase of the election, political party candidates are travelling to villages to campaign and make promises about education, social welfare, and development.
However, none of the candidates have addressed the burden placed on residents to secure new military recruits for the junta.
“Even if a new government and a new parliament are formed after the election, the military commission has already planned to reinstate the military service law within that framework. The candidates contesting in the current election are aware of this. However, being a representative means speaking on behalf of the people, raising their suffering, and addressing these issues in parliament,” he added.
A total of nine political parties are contesting in Mon State, with 254 candidates running for seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, and township-level assemblies.
In Mon State, the first phase of the 2025 election will be held on December 28 in Thaton, Kyaikto, Thanbyuzayat, Kyaikmaraw, Mawlamyine, and Chaungzon, while the second phase will take place on January 11, 2026, in Bilin, Paung, Mudon, and Ye, according to available information.
