The election is unlikely to be held in nine village-tracts in Paletwa Township in Chin State, said U Soe Htet, Chin State Development Affairs Minister.
U Soe Htet who represents the ruling NLD party commented, “It is impossible to go to the rebel-controlled areas. Currently, nine village-tracts in Paletwa Township are expected to be excluded from the election.”
On September 9, an 11-member team including Minister U Soe Htet and departmental officials faced an attack by the Arakan Army’s (AA) on the way back to Haka Township, after providing food and cash assistance to more than 1,000 IDPs families in Paletwa Township.
In addition to the above-mentioned 9 insecure village-tracts, it is difficult for the entire Paletwa Township to hold the election due to lack of good transportation access and security problems. There are 102 village-tracts in Paletwa Township.
U Lin Kyaw, the officer of the Chin State Election Sub-Commission said: “The election sub-commission has received news about the active operations of armed organizations in the nine village-tracts. But I cannot say exactly whether the election will be held or not.”