CNI News
27 August 2025
The Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on August 26, 2025, calling the upcoming election in Myanmar a "sham" designed to select individuals and parties that serve the interests of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28, 2025.
The KNU stated that due to the newly enacted "Law on Protection from Disturbing, Hindering, and Destroying Elections" and amendments to the "Law on Protection of the Personal Freedom and Security of Citizens," which are intended to address public movements against the election, the people are now being forced to participate against their will, out of fear.
The KNU added, "The attempt to hold an election ignores the five-point consensus of ASEAN. It is a sham election meant to choose individuals and parties that benefit the military. Therefore, the participation of political parties in this sham election will hinder the future establishment of a new federal democratic system."
The KNU declared that it "absolutely does not accept" the general election being organized by the State Security and Peace Commission because it is legally invalid, does not allow for the participation of all citizens, and the results can be manipulated.
While seeing the KNU's statement.
The KNU also said, "This election is only for the longevity of the military dictatorship and is not a solution to the current political crisis. The election will not only intensify domestic conflict but also lead to continued instability in the region."
The statement further indicated that the KNU fully believes that the only way to end the deep-rooted political conflicts in Myanmar is through a genuine federal democratic union constitution that is drafted and enacted based on an inclusive political dialogue aimed at a long-term, lasting political solution.
The KNU urged the Karen people, Karen armed organizations, Karen political forces, and all political parties and the public to reject this election, which serves the military's interests, and to oppose it through non-violent means.
On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, alleging that the government was attempting to form a new administration without resolving disputes over voter lists from the 2020 general election. The Tatmadaw then declared a state of emergency.
In response, some NLD leaders, parliamentarians, armed groups, democracy activists, and political parties resisted, attempting to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw by armed means. The KNU, which is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), was also among these groups.
As a result, fierce battles are currently taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KNU in Kayin State.
