Mon State candidates participating in the junta’s planned upcoming elections may be targeted and punished by resistance groups, according to a warning issued by Mon State armed groups.
On 7 March 2025, during a trip to Belarus, the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing confirmed that the junta would hold elections in Myanmar either in December 2025 or January 2026, even though the junta only controls about a third of the country.
He added that 53 different junta approved parties will contest the elections and invited Russia and Belarus to send observers to the elections.
Analysts have warned that to make the elections seem more legitimate to the international community the junta will try to hold elections in as many areas possible. To do this it will need to gain control of of as many areas it can and consolidate its power in areas it already controls, which could lead to increased fighting, suffering and human rights abuses.
Nai Naga, a spokesperson for the Mon State Revolutionary Force confirmed this and warned that candidates in Mon State may be targeted.
He said to Than Lwin Times: “The junta needs to ensure security in the areas where it plans to open polling stations. As a result, it is likely to deploy its extensive military forces to carry out operations in these regions, leading to intensified clashes with local resistance forces. The resistance will employ all means to disrupt and oppose the junta-led election. Additionally, regional resistance forces may target candidates and their campaign teams in their areas of operation, punishing them for collaborating with the junta.”
The elections are opposed by all resistance forces who have labelled them a sham.
Ko Aye Min Tun, an officer with the People's Defence Force (PDF) in Thaton District, Mon State said: “The junta unilaterally seized power after the 2020 election, claiming voter fraud. Now, the same junta that orchestrated the coup is planning to hold an election, which cannot be legitimate. It will only be a sham election. We can’t say for certain what will happen next regarding the junta's plans.”
Dr. Thiri Mon Chan, a commander of the Mon State Defence Force (MSDF) and spokesperson for the Rehmonnya military column said that the planned junta elections would prolong the junta’s dictatorship and warned that resistance forces would take action against anyone who helps organise the elections or participates in them.
He said: “In this sham election, the people will not have the opportunity to vote for candidates who truly represent them. This election will only act as a political tool for the junta to extend its rule. Anyone who participates in or supports the election will be seen as pillars supporting the junta, even if they do not win. We, the resistance forces, will take firm action against those who give the junta a breathing room, and as a result, confrontations may arise.”
In Mon State the junta approved the registration of some local political parties such as the Mon Unity Party and Women Party (Mon) meaning that they can take part in the elections. They are preparing to campaign in Mon State along with national parties, such as the Union Solidarity and Development Party, which is primarily supported by the junta, the National Unity Party and the People's Party.
The Anti-Sham Election Working Committee of the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) has pledged to use all political and diplomatic efforts to prevent the junta-controlled election from being recognised or receiving support.
Resistance forces claim that the elections will not have a significant impact on the revolution because they will not be recognised by democratic countries.
