Six Arakan political parties registered to contest junta-organised election: UEC

By Admin 06 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

6 August 2025, Mrauk-U

The junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) has reportedly allowed six political parties claiming to represent the people of Arakan State to compete in elections slated for late this year and early 2026.

The UEC granted party registration to the Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP) led by U Ba Shein on August 4, bringing the total number of Arakanese political parties to six.

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; and Mro National Development Party (MNDP).

Locals say that it is not easy for political parties representing Arakan State to win votes because the Arakan Army (AA) currently controls 14 of Arakan State's 17 townships, and there are also clashes in the remaining three townships, including Sittwe and Kyaukphyu.

"Currently, most of the territory in Arakan State is controlled and run by the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA). There is a possibility of further clashes in Kyaukphyu. Therefore, these political parties are unlikely to represent any township and no Arakanese people will be interested in this election," a local woman told DMG.

While other parties, including the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), have begun campaigning and party activities in mainland Myanmar and major cities where the regime is firmly in control, political parties in Arakan State have yet to do so.

DMG continues to attempt to contact leaders of the Arakanese parties eligible to participate in the junta's planned election to find out about their preparations for the poll.

Locals say they have not seen any political party activities in Kyaukphyu as they live in fear amidst the sound of artillery and airstrikes.

"Although the RNP has an office in Kyaukphyu, there are not many people coming in and out of the office, and there are no party meetings. Since there are no people coming in and out, we don't even know exactly who is a member of the party," said another Kyaukphyu local.

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

But local sentiment appears firmly against the vote under the present circumstances.

"It must be said that the politicians and candidates who are trying to hold elections in Arakan State in collaboration with the military regime are only doing it for their own benefit," said a young Arakanese man. "These politicians are competing in the junta's election in the hope of getting some position. Where are the voters on the ground? It can be said that the Arakan parties have nothing to do in Arakan State except to appease the Arakanese people in Yangon."

The regime, meanwhile, has been criticised for forcing the election in a bid to legitimise its continuing rule.