The free and fair elections cannot be held just because the fighting has stopped in Arakan State, said Dr. Myo Nyunt, Spokesperson of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD).

It is unclear as to why the NLD spokesman at this time wants to stress other criteria for “a free and fair election”. Dr. Myo Nyunt added “There needs to be a situation that can guarantee the free and fairness of the elections”.

U Pe Than, the member of the Policy Affairs Leading Committee of the Arakan National Party (ANP) said: “The government’s position is crucial for holding by-elections. Recently President U Win Myint called for holding the elections in the Arakan State. The UEC will hold the elections if the government gives the nod for holding the election.”

In his message sent to the ceremony to mark the 46th Arakan State Day which falls on December 15th, the President said he was especially upset for all people in the cancelled constituencies in Arakan State and called on relevant officials to make cooperation to quickly hold the election in the canceled constituencies in Arakan State.

There had been the fierce armed conflict between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Arakan State since December 8th 2018. Fighting has ceased a few days before the November 8th General Election.

The AA has urged the government to hold the by-elections in the canceled constituencies in Arakan State and the Tatmadaw welcomed the AA’s demand. Leaders of the armed forces and the AA are holding the discussions on the plan to hold by-elections.

U Khaing Kaung San, a member of the Arakan State Election Monitoring Committee said: “The election can be held when there is no fighting. Both the Tatmadaw and the AA agree to the demands for holding the election. Now the security is said to be good and there is no fighting. The election can be held if the Union Election Commission (UEC) has a desire to hold it.”

The UEC cancelled the elections entirely in Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Yathaedaung, Buthaedaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myaebon and MraukU Townships and 15 wards and 130 village-tracts in Ann, Kyaukphyu, Taunggup and Sittwe Townships in Arakan State.

 

The UEC said it declared the cancelled constituencies after seeking the recommendations from the Union government, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs and relevant election sub-commissions.

Likewise, Military Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also sent a message to the ceremony to mark the 46th Arakan State Day.

In his message, he said the Tatmadaw welcomed the AA’s statement over the demand for holding the elections in some canceled constituencies in Arakan State in the 2020 General Elections before December 31, 2020. The Tatmadaw would make necessary cooperation for it.

Officials of the Arakan State Election Sub-Commission said it was ready to hold the elections in the cancelled townships in Arakan State if the UEC decided to hold the elections.