Chinese ambassador, UEC officials discuss junta-organised election

By Admin 11 Mar 2023

DMG Newsroom
11 March 2023, Sittwe

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai met with the regime-appointed chairman of the Union Election Commission, U Thein Soe, and discussed matters relating to the upcoming election, the junta-controlled Myanmar Alinn daily reported on March 8.

The Chinese ambassador on March 7 enquired about preparations for holding the election, the situation regarding the political parties, and the conditions that would allow a free and fair election to be held peacefully.

Political analysts say the Chinese ambassador met with the UEC chairman to find out more about the conditions and conduct of the junta-sponsored election.

U Than Soe Naing, a political analyst, said that while China is interested in the junta-sponsored election, the election under current conditions is unlikely to be a favourable outcome for the people.

“China’s attitude is that they want Myanmar to be peaceful and calm, to stop the current conflicts and then hold a round-table meeting. The election to be held by the military regime could be good, or not. I consider that elections cannot be a positive solution for Myanmar,” he said.

According to the junta-controlled Myanmar Alinn newspaper, U Thein Soe addressed the questions of the Chinese ambassador regarding preparations for holding elections, the establishment of political parties, and their applications for registration.

As of March 10, 19 political parties had officially registered to contest the junta-organised election, according to figures compiled by the UEC.

The regime has said it will introduce a system of proportional representation (PR) for the proposed poll slated for later this year, replacing the first-past-the-post electoral format of the 2010, 2015 and 2020 general elections.

On January 23, junta boss Min Aung Hlaing said the military regime would work to ensure that all citizens can vote freely in the upcoming election, without threats or coercion — a claim viewed dubiously by wide swaths of the voting public and international community.