An interview with U Pe Than, a lower house lawmaker from the Arakan National Party (ANP) representing MyebonTownship in Arakan State.

Q: What is your view on the military coup?

A: Whenever there are conflicts between the politicians and the Tatmadaw in Myanmar the army seizes power. The public loses out. Democracy loses and it is not even good for the reputation of the

Tatmadaw. I want to say that the coup is not good for anybody.

Q: The Tatmadaw said that the election would be held after the state of emergency, and the country’s power would be handed over to the winning party. To what extent do you believe in that?

A: The Tatmadaw claims the reason for the seizure of power is owing the lack of a fair election. In the past, the Tatmadaw seized the country’s power, citing the disintegration of the union. The Tatmadaw usually gives a reason. The Tatmadaw governed the country for more than 10 years even though it took the country’s power temporarily. The military government can bide their time as the power is in their hands.

It can easily turn into a much longer period of time, citing that the country lacks stability and the situation doesn’t allow holding the election. It can be said that the Tatmadaw will say it needs more time to keep the situation stable. As it is not an exact time schedule, the Tatmadaw can continue to playing for the time in delaying an election, based on whatever it feels like doing.

Q: The elections held on November 8th, were cancelled in most of the townships in Arakan State. How will the political landscape be changed in Arakan State if the new election includes all parts of Arakan State?

A: The Tatmadaw seized the power citing alleged vote frauds. I constantly said that the elections were cancelled in Arakan State on purpose. The situation in Arakan State is totally unfair. As I cannot predict the political and military situations in the future, but it will all depend on the the Tatmadaw wants.

Q: Do you have anything to add?

A: We don’t welcome the military coup, but we are do not mind whether it is the military government or the democratic government as long as their actions are in the interest of the country. We have experienced dictatorial acts committed both by the democratic government, as well as the oppression of the military government.

We will have to welcome them, if they have the will to push for the development of the country in good faith. We look forward to a government which wants to work for the development and stability of

Arakan State.