CNI News

5 Oct 2022

The SAC chairman said that efforts must be exerted to make the upcoming election free and fair.

He said at a meeting with entrepreneurs of small and medium businesses in Pyay that he had to assume the responsibilities of the state due to irregularities in the 2020 elections, which were held despite the calls to postpone them due to COVID-19.

Snr Gen said, “Economic downturn caused by irregularities in the elections and political consequences and violence can be overcome with the cooperation of the government, the people and the Tatmadaw. As voting irregularities led to the current situation, it is necessary to exert efforts to make the upcoming elections free and fair.”

The elections held by the SAC will never be free nor fair, Advocate U Kyee Myint told the CNI.

A woman casts her vote during the 2020 general elections. (GETTY IMAGES)

He said, “If leaders of the NUG, forces of the Spring Revolution and EAOs fail to put effective pressure on the SAC, it will hold the elections without fail because it is their exit and lifesaver. It is the best exit for them to trick the international community, to save their lives and to cling to power. So, they will surely hold the elections forcefully  regardless of whatever would happen to the public or whether the public and international community trust them or not.

Holding elections requires an environment for voters to cast their votes safely and independently, Chairman U Thar Tun Hla of the Arakan National Party told the CNI.

He said, “It is important that voters can cast their votes safely and independently. So, such an environment must be created first. Otherwise, the consequences of the election will be questionable.”

His party has yet to prepare for the elections to be held by the SAC, he added.

The SAC chairman said the council would hold elections in 2023 and would transfer power to the winning party.