Arakanese Social organizations in Arakan State said the election is unlikely to be held in Yathaedaung, Buthedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, MraukU, Minbya and Myebon Townships in the north of Arakan State due to the ongoing armed conflicts. The following is the voices of activists about the situations the people may face if the election excludes so many citizens.  

U Khaing Kaung San, Director of Arakan State Election Monitoring Group

Locals will lose their right to vote for the political parties and candidates of their choice if the election cannot be held. In addition, democracy is all about participation within a multi-party system.

And the election will not be free and fair due to the internet shutdown. Candidates and political parties in the townships with no internet access are unable to send their views via social media. The internet is banned. On the other hand, some townships do have internet access. It cannot be said to be a fair election.

Ko Kyaw Min Khaing, Social Activist from Yathaedaung Township

If the election cannot be held, the people’s future will not be good. Especially, the chance for the emergence of a parliament representing the people is very low if the election cannot be held. The situation is becoming more worried if there are no MPs who will represent the people when the war is intensifying.

But the people are mostly paying attention to the war for their survival, not the election. The people are worried about the postponement of the election on account of the war.

Ko Myo Lwin, Social Activist from Ann Township

“The election is the trailblazer of democracy. We cannot choose the candidates we want if the election is unable to be held. If the election cannot be held due to the lack of security, there will be no voices for the lack of human rights coming from the excluded constituencies.