The Tatmadaw have claimed there are over 8.6 irregularities which could lead to the possible vote frauds in more than 300 townships in the 2020 General Elections but without presenting evidence. The armed forces called on the Union Election Commission (UEC), the government and the Union Parliament to solve these irregularities.

Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun, Spokesperson of the Tatmadaw’s True News Information Team said at a press conference on January 26th, “I neither confirm nor deny that the army will carry out a coup if the voting fraud issues are not solved.” The following are responses from ethnic parties.

Salai Aung Lain, General Secretary of Chin National League for Democracy

The army is not the body that is competing in the election. The army should not raise the prospect of a coup citing vote rigging just because it is not satisfied with the election results. It can be said that this is a backsliding of democracy.

The UEC gave voters time to correct errors in the voter lists. I don’t know why the complaints (from USPD and military) were not filed at that time. Contesting candidates can file charges against the relevant election sub-commissions in accordance with the laws, if there was any evidence of vote rigging and fraud in the election period.

I don’t want a military coup to arrive after the five-year U Thein Sein Administration and the five-year NLD administration. Seeking the solution through discussions and coordination among the UEC, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the military chief will be the best option. The country’s transition would return to the drawing board in the event of a military coup. We can solve the problem with dialogue to find the best path.

Naing La Yi Tama, General Secretary of Mon Unity Party

There may be some errors in the lists of voters. But the UEC has formed the tribunal to investigate the frauds. I understand the decisions are to be made according to the law. We should not think about the military coup at a time when the entire people are striving for democracy.

U Han Shwe, Vice-Chair of National Unity Party

We need to do work in accordance with the constitution. We are against any coup as a matter of principle.