CNI News
12 Dec 2022
Holding elections alone is not sufficient to resolve the political crisis and free up political space, Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi of the People's Party told the CNI.
Overcoming the political deadlock requires not only holding elections and transfering power to the winning party but also creating tangible political expectations, he added.
A voter showing his little finger. (Sai Aung Mein)
U Ko Ko Gyi told the CNI, "The State Administration Council, which has assumed State power, has the privilege to create a conducive environment. The SAC needs to give a clear message to democratic forces, ethnic armed organizations and the international community that it is not armed struggles but political means that will bring about tangible changes. At the moment, political space is closed and there is almost nothing political parties can do because restrictions, controls and limits are imposed. Therefore, holding elections and transferring power to the winning pary is not enough to resolve the political crisis and to free up political space. We have been calling for tangible political expectations. Otherwise, there is no way out of the political deadlock and there will be more challenges and crises at home and abroad.”
The SAC chairman promised to hold elections in August, 2023 and transfer power to the winning party.
A Kayan woman after casting her vote. (STR-GETTY IMAGES)
Although elections to be held by the SAC are one of the political exits, it will not resolve all issues, Chairman U Shwe Min of the Lisu National Development Party ( crossbow party) told the CNI.
He said, "Elections may be an exit to some extent but political means are too weak to resolve all issues. On the other hand, elections play an important role in democracies. It is important that the elections are inclusive. We view that dialogue is important for elections and the post election period."
The Chin State Joint Defence Committee has urged the public not to cooperate with elections held by the SAC while the Karenni National Progressive Party announced that it would not permit all political parties in Karenni State to contest the election.
