The Arakan CSO Network (ACN) has called on the NLD-led government to cooperate to hold by-elections in the cancelled constituencies.
The ACN issued a statement on November 13 urging the Union Election Commission (UEC) to hold the by-elections in the cancelled constituencies as quickly as possible.
Ma Aye Myat Kyaw, Director of the CAN asserted “The Arakan Army (AA) has called on the UEC to hold the election in the cancelled constituencies. Tatmadaw also welcomes it. In addition, the political organizations have made the demands for holding these elections. Our CSO also demands it. The UEC and the incumbent government must be responsible, and need to listen to our voices.”
The statements by the AA and the armed forces (Tatmadaw) are constructive. It is an important step towards the continued implementation of a stalled ceasefire process between the non-NCA signatories and the Tatmadaw, to build up a federal democratic union and ensuing all-inclusive peace process the ACN’s statement says.
The AA issued a statement dated November 12, urging the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), the government and the Tatmadaw, to hold the by-elections in the cancelled townships before December 31 this year.
On the same day, the Tatmadaw welcomed the AA’s statement and endorsed coordination with the officials to hold the by-election.
Dr. Myo Nyunt, Spokesperson of the NLD said: “The party in principle accepts the demand for holding by-elections in the canceled constituencies. But the by-elections are usually held between general elections. The by-election is to be held one year after the general election. We cannot go against the election law.”
Arakanese civil society are unlikely to be satisfied with lack of NLD s bland response about the election law which could be amended for cases of UEC perceived failure to arrange elections in nine areas townships.
On November 9, the EU also called on Myanmar to hold the by-elections in the constituencies excluded in the 2020 General Elections as quickly as possible.
The UEC canceled the elections entirely in nine townships in the Arakan State, citing that they are not in a position to hold a free and fair election. The canceled townships are: Buthedaung, Maungdaw, Yathaedaung, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, MraukU, Minbya and Myaebone Townships.
The UEC also partly canceled four village-tracts in Sittwe Township, four wards and 49 village-tracts in Kyaukphyu Township, three wards and 25 village-tracts in Ann Township and ten wards and 52 village-tracts in Taunggup Township.
