Political parties step up campaigning in Kyaukphyu ahead of junta-organized election

29 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

29 November 2025, Kyaukphyu

Despite ongoing clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army in Kyaukphyu Township, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Arakan Front Party (AFP), and Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP) are actively campaigning in urban wards for the upcoming junta-organized election.

In recent days, the parties have been putting up victory signs, distributing leaflets, providing free meals, giving away T-shirts, and making donations to monasteries.

“Today, the RNP is campaigning by donating to a Buddhist monastery in Taungyin Ward. USDP representatives are giving free meals to everyone who passes by their house. All three political parties are competing hard,” said a Kyaukphyu resident.

USDP candidates in Kyaukphyu are U Kyaw Swe Lin for the State Hluttaw, U Maung Than A for the Pyithu Hluttaw, and U Mya Lin (aka U Phoe Toke) for the Amyotha Hluttaw.
AFP is fielding U Khin Saw for the State Hluttaw, U Ba Thein Yin for the Pyithu Hluttaw, and U Tin Tun for the Amyotha Hluttaw.

RNP candidates are U Tin Shwe for the State Hluttaw, U Than Hlaing Htoo for the Pyithu Hluttaw, and U Ba Shein for the Amyotha Hluttaw.

“It’s like a free market. One party gives something; another party gives something. People in town are happy to take whatever they get and go home. It’s a relief for grassroots families facing hardship,” said a woman in Kyaukphyu.

Since late 2023, the military regime has blocked all land and water routes to Kyaukphyu and tightened security, leaving grassroots workers jobless and facing hunger.

Amid threats from junta soldiers, the risk of arrest and imprisonment, and rising crime including theft and looting, about half of Kyaukphyu’s residents have fled to Arakan Army-controlled areas or other parts of Myanmar.

“These party members are like saviours for people suffering under military control. We will have to wait and see how much they can protect and help those left in this helpless town,” said another resident.

The junta-appointed Union Election Commission has approved six political parties — the Arakan Front Party, Rakhine Nationalities Party, Rakhine State National Unity Party, Khami National Development Party, Mro National Party, and Mro National Development Party — to contest polls slated for late 2025 and early 2026.

The military regime plans to hold the first phase of voting on 28 December 2025. With only a month remaining, parties are intensifying their campaigns.