The Arakan State Election Sub-Commission is ready to hold the elections in the canceled constituencies in Arakan State U Thurein Htut, Secretary of the Arakan State Election Sub-Commission stated.

The election sub-commission has prepared the polling stations and all necessary materials for the elections in the canceled constituencies and is waiting for the Union Election Commission (UEC)’s directive.

The UEC held the recent elections in only eight out of 17 townships in Arakan State. On November 12 the Arakan Army (AA) urged the incumbent government and the Tatmadaw to hold the by-elections in the canceled constituencies in Arakan State before December 31.

The Tatmadaw also welcomed AA’s demand. The military would facilitate negotiations to hold the by-elections in the canceled areas as much as it can according to the AA’s statement.

 “We want the election to be held as the election is the lifeblood of the democratic system. There will be the representatives elected by the people. These representatives will reflect the voices of locals and serve the interests of the region. Only then will democracy be truly active. That is why, we welcome the statements by the Tatmadaw and the AA,” the UEC official added.

On November 13, the Arakan CSO Network (CAN) called on the UEC to hold the by-elections in the canceled constituencies as quickly as possible.

Lower House MP Daw Khin Saw Wai from Yathaedaung Township said: “I think the by-election will materialize if the UEC really wants to hold it. Both the AA and Tatmadaw have issued statements about security. It mainly depends on the UEC and the government.”

The UEC canceled the elections entirely in Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Yathaedaung, Buthedaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myaebon and MraukU Townships and partly in Sittwe, Ann, Taunggup and Kyaukphyu Townships in Arakan State. The UEC could hold the elections entirely in Yanbye, Manaung, Thandaw and Gwa Townships.