USDP candidate urges Arakanese people in Yangon to support junta-backed election

By Admin 15 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

15 November 2025, Yangon

U Nay Min Tun, a candidate from the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) running for the post of Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Minister in Yangon Region, has urged Arakanese people living in Yangon to "stand by" the upcoming election.

In a campaign video posted on his Facebook account on November 14, he said artists were also supporting the poll, adding that Arakanese voters should "choose wisely" and in line with current circumstances.

He said Yangon Region is not Arakan State, and that voters should consider the strength of the political party behind each candidate - asserting that "there is none other than the USDP."

"What I mean is that the Yangon Region is not an Arakan State. How can we give the Arakan people the rights they deserve when it is the Yangon Region? We need to look at the situation and learn to adapt," said U Nay Min Tun.

Some Arakanese residents in Yangon view his remarks as not merely campaign messaging but as coercive or intimidating.

"Even artists are now joining the election because they are afraid. As Arakanese people in Yangon, we need to understand these conditions. That is why we see them as indirect coercion and intimidation, implying that they are not opposing the election but voting for the military-proxy USDP," said a young Arakanese woman in Yangon.

U Nay Min Tun, a native of Buthidaung Township, has a background in construction, hotel operations, and other businesses. He is contesting the post of Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Minister in Yangon Region under the USDP ticket.

The USDP was formed in 2021 by military generals who transitioned into civilian roles. Pro-democracy activists view the party as serving the interests of the military dictatorship and its associated business cronies.

Seven candidates are reportedly contesting the position of Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Minister in the election scheduled for December 28.

Arakanese people in Yangon are struggling to make ends meet and thus show little interest in, or confidence in, the election.

"They will offer incentives for the election, saying it will be good or bad. The candidates will campaign by saying what they will do. In other words, they are all colluding to deceive the people for their own gain and interests. When the time comes, these fakes will fall apart," said an Arakanese man in Yangon.

The military regime has announced that the first phase of voting will begin on December 28 and continue into January 2026.

Revolutionary forces have issued statements opposing the poll, calling the junta-organized election a sham that undermines the country's political aspirations.