Political solutions require dialogue at negotiation table
The National Defence and Security
Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held its 1/2025 meeting at the
Office of the State Administration Council Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday
morning.
The meeting was attended by Pro Tem
President (Duty) Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung
Hlaing, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union
Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye, Union Minister for Home Affairs
Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, Union Minister
for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, special invitees SAC Secretary
General Aung Lin Dwe and Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo.
The Pro Tem President (Duty) Defence
Services Commander-in-Chief explained the work process of State responsibilities
served by the SAC during the six-month extended period.
Defence
and security conditions of the State
In his clarifications, the Senior General
said that the Five-Point Roadmap and nine objectives were adopted on 4 February
2023 to implement them aligned with the conditions of the State. Concerning the
first point of the Roadmap “Emphasis will be placed on ensuring peace and
stability and the full rule of law across the whole Union, and on successfully
conducting a free and fair multiparty democratic general election”, some
ethnic armed organizations and PDF terrorists undermine peace and stability
of the regions with terror attacks on towns and villages and destroying and
robbing life and property of the people. It can be seen that some EAOs taking
such situations as privileges are making attempts to expand their areas. During
the six months, 383 innocent people and State service personnel died in the
various terror attacks and 516 education and health infrastructures including
public buildings were destroyed. During the period, KIA terrorists in Kachin
State joining hands with PDF terrorists attacked the China-Myanmar border region,
Bhamo region, upper Sagaing Region and Indaw region whereas KNU terrorists
together with PDF terrorists attacked the Kataiti region, Mepali region,
Anankwin region and Kawkareik region in Kayin State. Meanwhile, AA terrorists
in Rakhine State together with PDF terrorists attacked the Magway
Region-Rakhine State border, Bago Region-Rakhine State border, and Ayeyawady
Region-Rakhine State border Moreover, CNF insurgents in Chin State together
with PDF terrorists committed attacks on Mindat, Kanpetlet and Falam.
The acts of terrorism were initiated as
a result of former Hluttaw representatives who committed electoral fraud
exploiting public sentiment and inciting violence following the annulment of
the 2020 general election due to electoral irregularities. It was observed that
Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) took advantage of the country’s political
crisis to carry out attacks under the pretext of ethnic and political reasons.
Some of these groups engaged in extremist rhetoric and mobilized support in
their respective territories. Moreover, they collaborated with anti-government
media at home and abroad to spread misinformation and propaganda. Coordinated
efforts were made to incite widespread acts of violence across the country at
strategic moments. Moreover, it was stated that threats, coercion, and pressure
were exerted on conscientious citizens and civil servants. As a result, acts of
violence have increased nationwide, leading to the loss of lives, homes, possessions,
and extensive damage to a large number of public infrastructures. Who has truly
benefited from these incidents? The answer is no one. Only the country has
suffered losses. Therefore, countries and individuals advocating for democracy
should reflect on these consequences. As an example, the university
buildings in Loikaw were destroyed in attacks by KNPP and PDF terrorists on
Loikaw last year. So, the university was closed. A total of 44 buildings were
damaged at Loikaw University. It needs to spend some K9 billion on repairing
these buildings. Such a cost can be used in building many primary schools. It
can be spent on many projects of agriculture, livestock and regional
development tasks. Such an amount referred to damage to a single
university. Damage to remaining universities, schools, markets and public
property will amount to many billion kyats. Due to naughty acts based on
political affairs, residents faced losses, so security forces counterattacked
those terrorists with sacrifices. Only the residents and local terrorists in
a region can either maintain stability and development or disrupt peace and
cause delays in progress. The unlawful and violent acts committed by these
armed terrorist groups are widely condemned by people across the entire nation.
In response, the Tatmadaw is working together with peace-seeking locals to
restore stability in the region and to stop these terror acts.
The State Administration Council is
implementing a public security system to ensure that each citizen, in collaboration
with relevant security personnel, can implement security awareness. Public
security and counter-terrorism groups have already been established at the
ward/ village level. Therefore, for the safety of the public and regional
stability, citizens are encouraged to report any relevant information.
As the State Administration Council is implementing
two political visions – to strengthen the genuine, disciplined multiparty
democratic system and to build a Union based on democracy and federalism, it is
necessary to hold an election without fail. Hence, preparations are being
made with utmost efforts to hold the election. The general election must be
able to show off the genuine aspirations of the people. According to the
election laws and regulations, there is no prescribed minimum number of votes
required for an election to be valid.
Only the people have to protect the
multiparty democratic system the people aspire to. The election must be
systematic, free and fair fully and it must be prestigious. It is necessary to
manage eligible voters must not be left as much as possible. To be able to do
so, as it is essential for restoring peace and stability in relevant regions,
Tatmadaw and security forces are accelerating security measures. As such, all
people have to participate in the peace and tranquillity of the regions and the
smooth process of democratization to walk on the path of democracy they all
aspire to.
Increased production of
agriculture and livestock products
Myanmar focuses on agriculture and
livestock farms. Some 70 per cent of the population is residing in rural
areas. Of them, 45.3 per cent of the people are engaged in agriculture,
fishery and forestry businesses. More than 50 per cent of the population has
completed education to some extent. So, priority was given to the systematic
undertaking of the agriculture and livestock sectors. According to the
climatic conditions, geographical conditions and location, Myanmar can successfully
operate agriculture and livestock farms. However, efforts must be made to
meet the target production of agriculture and livestock tasks to ease the high
prices of commodities and double and triple the productivity.
Emphasis was placed on raising the
production of agriculture and livestock farms at home and reducing import commodities.
Only when the country raises production will its production and services
increase. If so, the country can reduce import volume as well as decline spending
on foreign exchange. As a result, the domestic currency will be strong,
resulting in the stability of commodity prices. Hence, supervision is focusing
on doubling the production of agriculture and livestock sectors.
To increase agricultural produce,
manufacturing must be operated by applying modern technologies with the use of
agricultural products. Hence, the Senior General said that he has been touring
all parts of the nation to accelerate the MSME businesses since 2022. Operating
MSME needs raw materials. Hence, a policy has been adopted for domestic raw
materials. And then, efforts are being made to produce value-added products,
export them, collect inputs, provide financial assistance and recruit human
resources. Only when people apply modern technologies in operating agricultural
and livestock farming tasks rather than conventional methods will they have
high-yield production.
Myanmar has planted more than 14.8
million acres of monsoon paddy, over 2.09 million acres of summer paddy, more
than 2.1 million acres of maize, over 3.2 million acres of oil crops and more
than three million acres of pulses and beans in 2024-25 cultivation season. It
is necessary to meet the target cultivation for paddy and other crops. In
livestock breeding, priority must be made to have a successful operation of
livestock breeding tasks with the use of feeds, water and domestic raw
materials systematically. As the country has many sound foundations for the
production of agriculture and livestock sectors, all the people have to
participate in its projects successfully. In particular, arrangements are been
made to reduce the import of cooking oil in 2026 as it costs over US$500
million per year. Efforts are being made to meet the target production of
sesame and expand the cultivation of sunflower to meet the domestic oil demand.
The State Administration Council has
formed the Agriculture and Livestock Development Commission, the Industrial
Development Commission and the Electric and Energy Development Commission to
leverage up agriculture and livestock sector, industrial sector and electric
and energy sector which are main drives for development of the State.
These commissions have to take responsibility for the development of the
primary sectors to improve the country and strive to effectively implement
these sectors.
Education sector
Education is essential for the
personal development of each individual, and for a nation, it is only when
there is a large number of well-educated people with knowledge and skills that
various sectors will be able to develop further. According to the
nature of education, it is only after acquiring basic education up to the
middle school level that one can continue to learn the skills necessary for
personal advancement.
All children of school age should have
the opportunity to attend school, as education is a critical matter. Responsible
authorities must ensure that all students receive education up to the highest
level, facilitate improvements in transitions between grade levels, and focus
on providing both vocational training and higher education. It is important to
prioritize these efforts. Children who are of school age but not attending
school not only suffer in their lives but also hinder the development of their
communities and the country. Therefore, for the future of the nation, all
children must remain in school and receive an education. Local administrative
organizations, teachers, parents, and town elders must work together to encourage,
unite, and support the implementation of this goal. It is important to
note that over 220,000 applications have already been submitted for the
upcoming KG+12 university entrance exams in March. Relevant authorities are
ensuring that students can take their exams calmly and systematically.
Health sector
Regarding the health sector, every
citizen must be healthy, as only with good health can they engage in activities
such as education, social affairs, and economic work. Therefore, the policy of ‘where
there is a hospital, there should be a doctor’ has been established, and
efforts are being made to upgrade hospitals and ensure the assignments of
medical doctors in all hospitals.
Natural disaster
Due to the heavy rainfall associated
with Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar during September 2024, flooding occurred in 106
townships across eight states and regions. It has been observed that the
severity of this flooding is unprecedented in the affected areas, marking the
worst situation in the past 50 years. In response to the damage and casualties
caused by this natural disaster, the Senior General recounted that he
inspected the disaster-affected areas to initiate rehabilitation as quickly as
possible. He met with the people affected by natural disasters and offered
words of encouragement, provided food supplies, and discussed the causes of
the disaster as well as the necessary reconstruction efforts with relevant
ministry officials and experts. Moreover, the Senior General took steps to
ensure that relief and rehabilitation efforts were carried out effectively and
as quickly as possible.
In terms of supplies provided, a total
of 447.1 million was allocated for over 440 fatalities caused by the recent
natural disaster. Moreover, more than K21.2 billion was provided for damage to
residential property, while over K38.9 billion was allocated for other forms of
support. Furthermore, efforts are underway to compile a list of internally
displaced persons and to arrange necessary supplies for them. According to
the Disaster Management Law, losses suffered by civilians due to acts of
terrorism and armed conflicts are also classified under disaster-related
damages. Therefore, the State will continue to provide support to internally
displaced persons. Just as the government has made a concerted effort to
take action, donors from across the country, as well as domestic and
international organizations, have contributed as much as they could. As a
result, rehabilitation and relief efforts have been carried out effectively
and swiftly. The Senior General said he would like to express appreciation
for the public’s participation and generosity. As Myanmar citizens, the way
they support one another during times of natural disasters and hardships
demonstrates the spirit of unity and patriotism among all the people. This is
something we take great pride in for the nation.
Peacemaking processes
From the time the State Administration
Council took on the responsibilities of the State, it has been working towards
ending armed conflicts within the country and achieving durable peace under the
2008 Constitution and the agreements outlined in the Nationwide Ceasefire
Agreement (NCA). In this regard, the year 2022 was designated as the “Year of
Peace”, and ethnic armed group leaders were invited for open and unrestricted
discussions without any preconditions. As the National Solidarity and
Peacemaking Negotiation Committee, from its establishment until now, a total
of 114 peace negotiations have been conducted – seven with NCA signatory groups
and six non-signatory groups. Moreover, 21 discussions have been held with
political parties and 10 meetings with other organizations advocating for
peace. Through these negotiations, agreements have been reached to facilitate
discussions on certain issues in upcoming Hluttaw sessions. Further negotiations
will continue to achieve more agreements.
On 26 September 2024, due to the
significant loss of the nation’s human resources, infrastructures, and the
lives and property of the people, an invitation was extended to resolve the
political issue through political means. It was emphasized that only by ending
armed conflicts in various regions could a free and fair election be held.
Furthermore, it was affirmed that efforts to implement the planned processes
for achieving peace by ceasing armed conflicts would continue without
interruption. Since political solutions can only be achieved through
dialogue at the negotiating table, it was reiterated that peace negotiations
are always welcomed and encouraged.
Strengthening multiparty democratic
system and building a Union based on democracy and federalism
Tatmadaw has paved the way for the
nation to walk on a multiparty democratic path desired by the people. Likewise,
it has collaborated with elected governments to strengthen the multiparty
democratic system. As the State Administration Council is following the
multiparty democratic system that the people aspire to, it is necessary to hold
an election without fail. To facilitate the participation of political parties
in the election, laws and regulations regarding political party registration
have been issued and amended. According to the enacted laws, 50 parties have
applied for re-registration, while 18 parties have applied for new party
registration, making a total of 68 political parties. According to Section 25
of the Political Parties Registration Law, a total of 40 political parties
that did not apply for re-registration under the law have been automatically
dissolved as political parties. The Union Election Commission has approved the
registration of 55 out of 68 political parties that applied for
re-registration or new registration and has rejected the registration of two
parties by the law. As a result, there are currently 53 officially registered
political parties. He accepts that to discuss regional and ethnic affairs
lawfully, ethnic representatives need to participate more actively in the
political platform, which is why these actions are being taken.
The Union Election Commission has held
10 meetings with political parties for discussions. During these meetings,
various issues were addressed, including electoral fraud and irregularities
that occurred in the 2020 multiparty democratic general elections, as well as
the issue of invalid votes that resulted from past electoral practices.
Moreover, discussions covered the implementation of a mixed electoral system,
combining the First Past The Post (FPTP) system with a Closed List Proportional
Representation (PR) system, which is considered more suitable and straightforward
for Myanmar. Other topics included election-related legal frameworks,
regulations concerning political parties, party membership strength, the
establishment of party offices, preparations for holding elections, and the
participation of both domestic and international election monitoring organizations.
Agreements were reached on these matters, and political parties were urged to
firmly and genuinely implement the agreements in practice.
In the 2020 general election, individuals
from the NLD party involved in electoral fraud, inflated voter lists and
engaged in electoral fraud not only within a single constituency but also
across the entire country, ensuring an illegitimate victory. It has been
observed that the individuals responsible for electoral fraud in all
townships during the 2020 election were members of the NLD party’s Central
Executive Committee (CEC). Since those CEC members were representatives of the
NLD party, it can be assumed that the electoral fraud was committed following
the party’s directives.
Preparations to hold a multiparty
democratic general election
The Senior General said that he has been
working on organizing the general election successfully from all fronts, and
during his foreign trips, he has also clarified the situation regarding the
efforts to ensure the successful conduct of the election during meetings with
heads of state and officials from other countries. Furthermore, when meeting
with ambassadors and officials from international organizations visiting
Myanmar, the Senior General recounted that he had also explained the measures
being taken to organize the election. As a result of these clear explanations,
Myanmar has received full support and endorsement from the international community
for the election the government is leading.
All citizens with the right to vote have
been able to receive citizenship scrutiny cards through the implementation of
the Pankhinn Projects 1, 2, and 3, totalling 5,980,664 individuals. Furthermore,
efforts are ongoing to ensure that those remaining who have not yet received
their citizenship scrutiny cards will receive them before the election period
concludes.
Moreover, the Union Election Commission
is carrying out demonstrations and practical tests related to the Myanmar
Electronic Voting Machine to ensure that voters can cast their votes clearly
and easily, that the election results are accurate, that there is no invalid
voting, that voter fraud is prevented, and that transparency is maintained.
Census collection
Accurate basic voter lists are essential
for holding a general election. The 2024 population and household census was
conducted from 1 to 15 October, and the duration was extended due to certain
security issues and transport difficulties. Collecting census data is a
beneficial operation for the country, and the data collected can also be used
to implement supportive projects.
The provisional results of the 2024
population and housing census show a total population of 51,316,756 (over 51.3
million) on census night, 30 September 2024. The figures include
32,191,407(32.19 million) from the census and 19,125,349 (19.1 million) from
estimated data. Among them, 15,105,215 males (over 15 million) and 17,086,192
females (over 17 million) are recorded, with a gender ratio of 46.9 per cent
males and 53.1 per cent females. The data that has been collected will be used
as valid voter lists per electoral procedures.
The digits show a slight decline over
the past decade. Population changes are due to birth rates, death rates, and
migration. It can be assumed that the population is very low when compared
to the width of the country and the population numbers. A proper population
and yearly increase in population is needed to develop the country. Therefore,
it needs to allocate support for education and health sectors to increase the
birth rate and reduce the death rate in the country. Regarding immigration,
measures should be carried out to ensure the State’s economy and stability. The
population policy suitable for the country will be drafted to achieve a
possible population in the country.
Cementing multiparty democratic
general election
The Union Election Commission arranges
to hold the multiparty general election under the Constitution (2008) and
Election Law as per the electoral procedures depending on the regional security.
The election should have a correct voter list and should be a free, just and
transparent election. The international observers should be invited to the
event. Efforts also should be made to adopt a PR system for the participation
of the people in Hluttaw representing ethnic nationals and different levels of
people.
Casting a vote in an election is
the free expression of a citizen’s desire. Creating a situation in which all
eligible voters can cast their votes is the duty of the government. Casting a
vote or not is a stance of individuals. Arrangements should be also made to curb
the threat, force, encouragement and bullying of insurgents during the vote
casting. Therefore, the SAC makes efforts to hold a prestigious and correct
multiparty general election from the point of view of law and public opinion,
to prevent all citizens from unlawful action and to be a dignified and correct
election.
The general election should reflect the
opinions of the majority of the people. There should be peace and stability in
respective regions to achieve a multiparty democracy system as quickly as
possible. Therefore, the current public security system should be accelerated
with public participation.
According to the events in Myanmar and
world countries, there is one thing when a nation makes a transition from one
system to another, it adopts a suitable system depending on its geography,
national characteristics, culture and circumstances. If it follows the international
criteria or pressure of powerful countries, the stability can become worse.
For example, some countries adopt inappropriate systems and hold the general
election quickly to pressure. Therefore, they have no political stability to
date and are struggling in various crises. Only the citizens know most about
the internal affairs of their nation. The political changes broke out due to
voting fraud in the 2020 election. SAC is making concerted efforts step by
step to lead the country to a democratic pathway. Only the Myanmar citizens
decide the political affairs of Myanmar. The ongoing reform and political
situation will be implemented successfully depending on the internal affairs of
the country rather than the international pressures, and others.
The SAC also tries to straighten the
democracy pathway that is deteriorated by the 2020 election. In doing so, the
persons and certain organizations, that did not try to solve with political
means, chose armed engagements. Therefore, the country faces terrorist attacks.
The ethnic armed organizations also tried to grab regional authority rather
than leading to a multiparty democracy pathway. Meanwhile, the government
stabilizes the security sector of the country and promotes the State economy
and social sectors receiving certain achievements.
However, there are still challenges
to the successful holding of the general election, especially, it needs peace
and stability to hold a free, fair and just general election. Hence, the
State Administration Council submitted an extension of the six-month term for
serving State responsibilities under the Constitution to implement the
above-mentioned processes.
Concerning the submission of the Senior
General, members of the National Defence and Security Council held
discussions.
Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat
first said that the Union Election Commission is conducting sector-wise
arrangements aiming to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election,
and also working with ministries concerned to have correct and accurate voter
lists. Compiling the voters list is conducted in detail in each poll station
and systematic arrangements must be made for voters to cast votes. To do so, it
is necessary to take adequate time. So, he supported the extension of six
months of declaration of a state of emergency nationwide from 1 February 2025.
Vice-Senior General Soe Win also
discussed that stability plays a key role in the successful holding of a
multiparty general election which is the SAC’s ultimate goal. The situations
in Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine and Chin states were clarified within the last six
months. Therefore, state stability and security affairs will be conducted
continuously. Hence, he supported an extension of a six-month term of the state
of emergency to do these measures.
In his discussions, Union Minister for
Defence General Maung Maung Aye said the current situation is a time to conduct
systematic measures for a free and fair multiparty general election. There
should be internal security and stability to hold the multiparty general
election. To be able to conduct measures to hold the election, it is necessary
to extend the term of the State of Emergency to ensure the security, peace and
stability of the State. Hence, he supports the extension of a six-month term
of the state of emergency.
Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen
Yar Pyae explained that from 1 August 2024 to 27 January 2025, the violence
broke out in regions and states resulting in deaths and injuries of government
employees, administrative officials, monks and students, and arrested arms and
ammunition. So, he supported the extension of the term of State of emergency
across the nation by the Constitution as the security, stability and law
enforcement across the nation are not in normal condition.
Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U
Than Swe reported on the diplomatic ties with international countries, measures
to strengthen Tatmadaws and civilian communications, enhancement of international
communications, Tatmadaws and civilian cooperation in the term of SAC. He then
clarified the findings on international reorganizations to adopt the
Myanmar-led Myanmar Way for Myanmar Affairs, and the positive support of
partner countries to hold multiparty democratic general elections freely. So,
he supported the proposal for an extension of a six-month term of the state of
emergency.
Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen
Tun Tun Naung said that the SAC achieved successes in implementing a five-point
roadmap, peace processes and enumeration of population and household census.
To maintain these solid foundations and to hold a free and fair multiparty
general election, he supported an extension of a six-month term of the state
of emergency.
Then, Pro Tem President (Duty)
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing declared
the extension of a further six-month State of Emergency in the entire nation
from 1 February 2025 and concluded the meeting.—MNA/TTA/KTZH
No comments