Colonel Sai Hla, a spokesperson for the RCSS, which is also known as the Shan State Army (SSA), said: “It is best not to have clashes during the elections. If there is fighting during the election, there is less chance for the elections to be free and fair. So, both sides have to consider this when we proceed with our activities. In particular, we would like to urge the exchange of information. If no information is exchanged on whether the other [enemy] side's troops came into the territory by mistake or by intention, we will have misunderstandings and can open fire, so it is very important to exchange information."

Colonel Sai Hla also said that troops from each side should be restricted to their own territory. They should not go to the other side's bases and all troops should respect the military code of conduct.

There has been intermittent fighting in the regions of Kutkhai and Namkhan in Northern Shan State, between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and government troops, whilst RCSS troops have been fighting with government troops throughout Konheim Township.

Likewise, in Kachin State there has been a lot of fighting in the areas of Sumpra Bum and Putao. Because of the fighting names for the voter-lists in those areas have not been yet been collected and there is uncertainty as to whether the elections will be held in those areas, according to Dr. Tu Ja, the chairman of the Kachin State Democracy Party (KSDP).

The 2015 elections are due to take place on 8 November as announced by the Union Election Commission (UEC) and political parties have begun their election campaigns across Burma.

The government and ethnic armed groups have had discussions about signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) and they have made a preliminary agreement to sign the NCA in the first week of October, but the precise date of the signing has not yet been set.

Reporter Chit Min Htun

Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI