CNI News

28 February 2025

Only after political agreements that can solve Myanmar's political problems were reached, should a general election be held, chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) U Sai Nyunt Lwin told CNI News. 

The election would be held in 2025 and the State power would be handed over to the winning party; because of territorial instabilities, elections can be held separately by region, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. 
If elections were held in the SAC controlled areas, as the civilian government would not be able to influence the whole country, the situation could get worse, pointed out military and political analysts.

So, a political dialogue should be held first, said U Sai Nyunt Lwin.

While the SAC Chairman was meeting with political parties

" In my opinion, it's necessary to hold a political dialogue. In accordance with the agreement from the political dialogue, elections were held, some of Myanmar's problems would be solved. It could be an all-inclusive election. Now, elections that the SAC will hold will include those who support one side only. Because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in prison at the moment, her role won't be involved. Those who support her want her to be released. The SAC won't be able to do so." he said.

However, the SAC hasn't announced exactly the date when elections will be held even though the SAC has said that it will hold elections in 2025. Although peace talks are being held, as an all-inclusive situation cannot be created, it is unable to reach consensus that is acceptable to all.

Currently, the opposition, the SAC, and ethnic armed groups are talking about dialogue, but there is no consensus,7 EAO Alliance spokesperson U Naing Aung Ma Ngay told CNI. 

He said that a political dialogue should be opened up to all ethnic armed groups and political parties that deserve to participate so that a general election that could solve all the situations could arise.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

"Let's open the way for all stakeholders who deserve to be involved in a political dialogue. NCA signatories, NCA non-signatories, all political parties including those that have not yet been registered should take part in the dialogue, which is the best way to find a solution. The SAC, EAOs and the NUG are talking about dialogue, but there has been no consensus." said U Naing Aung Ma Ngay.

Although the SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing announced that a general election would be held in August 2023, it could not be held. He had promised that the election would be held in 2025, but later he said that there needed to be peace and stability throughout the country so that a free and fair general election could be held.

Because battles are severely breaking out across the country, it is much less likely to hold the election, pointed out military and political analysts.