CNI News

10 Feb s023

SAC Chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that the elections held by the previous government was the notorious one and all-round efforts were being made to hold prestigious elections.

The senior general made the comment when he met with departmental officials at district and township levels and town elders from Hainggyi Kyun and Ngaputaw townships in Ayeyarwady Region on 8th February.

He said, "There are some difficulties in holding elections in some regions and states. It is necessary to hold prestigious elections accepted by the people. As the elections held by the previous government was a notorious one, all round efforts are being made to hold prestigious elections."

He added that the military had to assume state power due to irregularities during the 2020 general elections and highlighted the need to hold free and fair elections and to enable all eligible voters to cast their votes. However, activities that could lead to irregularities during the campaign and the election were found, he added.

He said, "There were suspicious activities over the elections held by the then government. It was also found that the government committed electoral frauds in the name of prevention of COVID-19. When election results were announced, impossible discrepancies in voters' lists were found and technicians were employed to investigate the voters' lists. Although authorities were asked to investigate the discrepancies repeatedly, they refused to settle the issue and the third Hluttaw was convened to take the state power illegally, leading to the current situation."

Currently, the military has declared a state of emergency since 1st February, 2021 after accusing the NLD government of forming a new government without settling electoral disputes.

The state of emergency was extended another six months on 31st January after it expired its two years term under section 425 of the 2008 constitution.

Members of the NLD, democracy activists and EAOs launched the Spring Revolution to topple the junta.

Intense fighting has erupted in Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Chin State, Karen State, and Kayah State.

The NUG, the PDF, the LDF, the CNF, the KNU, the KIA and KA have vowed to disrupt the election scheduled in 2023 by the SAC.