CNI News

16 July 2022

In finding ways to overcome Myanmar's political crisis, the assumption that elections are the exit from the political crisis is not correct , Rakhine politician U Pe Than told the CNI.

Although the State Administration Council has pledged to hold elections in 2023 and hand over power to the winning party, elections are likely to be an exit just for the SAC and will have no impact on national development and ending the civil war.

U Pe Than told the CNI, “As some political parties have decided to run for election, the SAC gains support from some political entities and it seems that those who cooperate with the SAC have some advantages. However, the elections will be held under the PR System, it is not a real exit from the political crisis for the country. It may be an exit for the SAC. As the PR system is introduced at a time when the opposition parties do have a say or are weak, the decision is not based on development and ending the civil war and there will be no impact on the issues.”

A Demonstration for democracy. (AP)

Political observer Sai Tun Aung Lwin told the CNI it is uncertain that elections can bring stability to the country and dialogues are essential for stability of the country.

Sai Tun Aung Lwin said, “It is uncertain that elections alone can bring peace and stability or the return to the situation after 2010. So, other means including dialogues are important. Dialogues only with ethnic armed organizations cannot guarantee peace and stability. Now, they have invited ethnic armed organizations only but some ethnic armed organizations refused to join the dialogues. As a result, so many problems will persist and be complicated in the future. They may hold elections for their exit. It is an issue to be taken into consideration for the long term.”

Furthermore, de added that it is difficult to say for sure under current circumstances that the public would accept the elections to be held by the SAC to overcome the political crisis.

SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing announced that elections would be held in August 2023.

The Union Election Commission said that the PR system will be introduced in the elections.