The Office of the Commander-in-Chief issued a statement on attitudes towards ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) related to election on November 2, calling on the EAOs to avoid positioning and movements in the government-controlled areas or to urgently leave these areas if they have been there for various reasons in order to secure the holding a free and fair election and canvassing of political parties.

 

In 2015 elections were canceled in nine townships across the country. In 2020 The UEC- Union Election Commission has canceled elections in 15 townships and village-tracts of some townships across the country. The armed forces chief blamed the loss of voting rights in areas designated as unsafe for the ballot due to the disruption caused by EAOs ethnic armed organizations.

 

Human rights groups and CSO’s have reported that in many cases it was the army’s ongoing military operations that had resulted in instability and danger to civilians and not the EAOs who had been seeking to arrange a ceasefire to cover the election period.    

 

The Tatmadaw also stated that they expect by-elections might be held safely and smoothly as early as possible in the areas where the elections are canceled due to various reasons.

At the ceremony to mark the third anniversary of the NCA, the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services pledged to bring eternal peace to the people in 2020. But he added: “Only when the EAOs are keen to restore eternal peace, would they secure the genuine peace.”

During the term of the present government, two more ethnic armed organizations signed the NCA and the conference was held with the title of Union Peace Conference: 21st Century Panglong. However, it can be seen that the conference has failed to deliver much in terms of bringing about peace.

 

Ethnic groups have hit back at these military claims and accused the Burmese army of dismissing without any dialogue their policy proposals for a federal system of government,

and power-sharing agreement on the management of ethnic state resources.

 

During the term of this government, eight ethnic armed organizations have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). However, the KNU and other signatories have claimed the military has constantly flouted the terms of the NCA agreements.