The Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) has stated that it will arrest participants in what is widely dubbed ‘the military junta’s upcoming sham election’, including Mon representative candidates and those involved in election campaigning.
The MSFC said anyone attempting to run as a candidate, organize votes for themselves, their group, or any individual, assist in vote collection, or otherwise participate in promoting the election will face arrest.
Currently, the MSFC’s Administrative Committee Chair, Nai Mon Sai, said the group is drafting the legal frameworks and procedures to allow them to detain not only candidates but also those supporting the election.
“We are still in the process of preparing the procedures and methods. Elections are not permitted in our controlled areas. Candidates and supporters will not be allowed to organize votes or gatherings. This applies to Mon candidates as well as all other candidates. If anyone comes, they will first receive a warning. If they continue despite the warning, they will be arrested,” Nai Mon Sai said.
The military junta’s election will face opposition during the pre-election, election, and post-election periods, according to MSFC.
So far, no arrests have been made by resistance groups during the sham election, but political observers in Mon State warn that detentions could increase during the election period and afterward, potentially escalating clashes between the junta and resistance forces.
“No resistance group supports the junta’s election. Because of this, conflicts and violence can occur at any time during the election period. The current calm is not a positive one. Therefore, candidates must remain cautious. After the election, the situation is expected to worsen. There could be more fighting, violence, and forced displacement. The new government will still be the military regime in disguise, so resistance forces will continue fighting. This will result in greater destruction across the country,” one Mon political observer said.
Meanwhile, military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during a recent trip to Mawlamyinee, emphasized the importance of fulfilling election preparations while continuing to carry out military operations across southern Myanmar.
The junta plans to hold phase one of the election on December 28th, 2025, and phase two will begin in January 2026. However, some political parties intending to participate have reported being able to conduct only limited vote-gathering activities so far.
As the election approaches, Mon residents face pressure from authorities to cast votes, while some university and college students have pre-filled ballots, submitting them to their schools with signatures as required.
