The Chin National Front (CNF) is urging political parties that want to launch electoral campaigns in their territory to inform the ethnic armed organization in advance.

The recommendation was made in a September 7 CNF statement.

“The reason for it is to control the spread of COVID-19,” CNF spokesperson Salai Htet Ni told Khonumthung News, adding, “We want all political parties to follow the health guidelines of the UEC [Union Election Commission].”

Salai Htet Ni said that the Chin National Party had already contacted the CNF regarding their campaign in Chin State.

The spokesperson also alleged that some political parties and candidates—who he did not name—have cited CNF documents and positions in their campaigns without attributing the statements to the organization.

“They take words from the CNF’s statements and papers and they are using it in their election campaign. They have also taken some words our interviews,” Salai Htet Ni said. “We don’t want any disputes or attacks between political parties or electoral candidates in Chin State. We want them to foster mutual understanding and mutual respect.”

The CNF urged the UEC to ensure that the 2020 general election, scheduled for November 8, is free and fair.

The CNF and the Burmese government signed a ceasefire in 2012. According to the agreement, the government agreed that the CNF could establish its bases in Thantlang, Tedim and Paletwa townships.

The CNF has noted that they have as yet been unable to base themselves in Paletwa Township, where there is an ongoing armed conflict between the Burma Army and the Arakan Army.