Junta's election not beneficial to Arakanese people: AA spox

By Admin 11 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

11 August 2025, Mrauk-U

The Arakan Army (AA) has said that the upcoming election being organised by Myanmar's military regime is not beneficial to the Arakanese people, nor are the people of Arakan State interested in the election.

U Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the AA, made the remarks during an online press conference on Monday.

"Elections are based on the people. An election without public support cannot benefit the people and will only create more confusion for them," he said.

The military regime has announced that the elections will be held in phases, in December 2025 and January 2026.

The junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) has reportedly allowed six political parties claiming to represent the people of Arakan State to compete in the elections. They include the Arakan Front Party (AFP) led by Dr. Aye Maung; Rakhine State National Unity Party (RSUNP); Khami National Development Party; Mro National Party; Mro National Development Party (MNDP); and Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP).

"The elections held by successive Burmese governments in Arakan State have not benefited the Arakanese people in any way. It is certain that none of the Arakanese people are interested in these elections," U Khaing Thukha said Monday.

Out of the 17 townships in Arakan State, 14 are controlled by the AA, and fighting is ongoing in the remaining townships of Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, while there has been no fighting in Manaung Township.

Veteran Arakanese politician U Pe Than said that even if elections were to be held in the three townships still under regime control in Arakan State, there would be no chance of a fair election.

"If the military regime holds elections, it will be possible to hold [elections in] only three townships, but the elections will not be fair. The military regime will force the people to vote in the elections through fear. As we all know, only junta-allied political party members and soldiers will vote, so there is no way a fair and just election can be held," he said.

The junta has been criticised at home and abroad for forcing the election in a bid to legitimise its continuing rule.

The regime on July 29 enacted an election-related law that carries prison sentences and even the death penalty for opponents of the poll who violate the law's provisions.

The law stipulates that anyone who directly or indirectly threatens, harasses, obstructs, or intentionally causes grievous bodily harm to prevent candidates from campaigning, prevent any voter from voting, or prevent polling station staff and election commission members from carrying out their duties during election campaign can be sentenced to three to 20 years in prison, depending on the infraction.