CNI News
1 October 2025
Three Karen armed groups announced on September 28, 2025, that they would cooperate to provide security so that the people in Karen State can cast their votes in the elections without suffering casualties or harm.
The Border Guard Force (BGF–Karen State), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army–Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) issued the joint statement following a meeting of their senior leaders on September 28, 2025.
During the meeting, the three groups reviewed and assessed the current military and political situation in Karen State. They stated that the upcoming multi-party democratic general election, scheduled to take place in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, could help resolve the country’s ongoing conflicts through a democratic path by bringing about an elected people’s government. They also said the elections could contribute to peace and development in Myanmar and to a stable and peaceful life for the people of Karen State.
Joint statement issued by the three Karen armed groups on September 28, 2025
In their joint statement, the BGF, DKBA, and KNU/KNLA-PC said: “In this multi-party democratic general election, we will recognize and respect the free will of the local people to participate, and we value democratic standards. To ensure that people can cast their votes freely without harm or loss, our three organizations will provide protection. Furthermore, we will fully cooperate to enable the people to enjoy a stable and peaceful life under a multi-party democratic system.”
Meanwhile, clashes are still ongoing in Karen State between the Karen National Union (KNU), People’s Defense Force (PDF) joint groups, and the Myanmar Tatmadaw.
The KNU, for its part, announced that it opposes the upcoming election scheduled for December 28, 2025. It urged all Karen people not to cooperate, stating that the election was merely an event to select individuals favored by the Myanmar Tatmadaw.
Law on Protection from Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage of Elections
Similarly, some other ethnic armed groups, as well as the National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), and PDFs, have declared that they will work to disrupt the election and will take effective action against those who cooperate with it.
On the other hand, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing signed and promulgated the Law on Protection from Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage of Multi-Party Democratic General Elections on July 29, 2025.
According to this law, those who obstruct, disrupt, or sabotage the multi-party democratic general elections and cause deaths can face a minimum prison term of 10 years up to life imprisonment, and even the death penalty.
