Election observers are reporting that the Mon State Military Junta has begun preparations for voter registration for the upcoming elections.
On January 27th, the Mon State Military Junta and the Union Election Commission which is under its control met at the state government office in Mawlamyine.
During the meeting, discussions were held on verifying voter lists for accuracy at the state, district, and township levels. Committees responsible for field data collection submitted population records, which were cross-checked with census data from the General Administration Department. The meeting agenda also covered election-related procedures.
Election observers suggest that, compared to other regions, the military junta could conduct elections on a larger scale in Mon State due to the relatively weak resistance movement in the region.
"Mon State is more secure compared to other regions. That's why the military junta could hold elections on a broader scale here. The Mon Unity Party (MUP) is also expected to participate, so the elections in Mon State could be more extensive. The region is more stable than others," said one election observer.
Military leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has stated that elections will definitely be held and that electronic voting may be used.
"The military junta is serious about holding this election. However, it won't be a traditional in-person voting system. In areas deemed insecure, they might use electronic voting," an election observer added.
Min Aung Hlaing has insisted that a general election will take place in November 2025. Political parties however remain skeptical of the military junta's claims.
Mann Aung Pyi Soe, Chair of the Karen National Democratic Party, noted that no official directives have been issued regarding the elections, and preparations are not yet underway.
"There hasn't been any official announcement yet, so there's nothing we can do. Even party-organizing activities are on hold. In the townships where we have some leeway, we do some organizing. But since the election itself is uncertain, we can't make concrete plans," he said.
The Arakan League for Democracy (ALD) has criticized the military junta's election plans, stating that they lack public support and participation, making them illegitimate.
