CNI News
13 September 2025

The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) announced on September 11, 2025, that it will provide support and assistance for the upcoming general elections planned to be held in Myanmar.

In its statement, the group expressed its belief that the current conflicts in Myanmar cannot be resolved through military means, but only through dialogue and negotiation.

“The upcoming general elections to be held by the National Security and Peace Commission are an opportunity for citizens to choose their representatives who will lead the way for reform and the country’s future. Therefore, we will do our utmost to support and assist the people in this process.”, said in the statement.

According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), the first phase of the elections will be held on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships. Among them, three townships in Karen State—Hpa-an, Myawaddy, and Thandaunggyi—will also hold elections.

The DKBA is one of the Karen armed groups that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). It is currently engaged in peace efforts in cooperation with the National Solidarity and Peace-making Negotiation Committee (NSPNC).

The group is based in Karen State, with its headquarters located at Sonseimyaing in Myawaddy Township. It is also active in areas including Hpa-an Township, Myawaddy Township, Myainggyingu village and Sonseimyaing village, and in Mon State’s Kyaikmaraw Township.

The DKBA was formed in 1994 after splitting from the Karen National Union (KNU).