Govt, public ensure successful polls despite disruptions to Phase II

THE government leads the phas­es of a multiparty democratic general election, which is essen­tial for initiating the multiparty democratic system, with partic­ipation of the people, while striv­ing to ensure a peaceful, pros­perous and developed country under the multiparty democratic system. On 11 January, the gov­ernment successfully held the multiparty democratic general election phase II.

However, destructive el­ements seeking to disrupt the peace, stability, and development of the nation, as well as terrorists who cannot tolerate the harmo­nious efforts of the government and the people, have attempted to undermine the socio-economic life of the population and disrupt election-related activities. As a result, they committed attacks aimed at creating panic among eligible voters who were casting their ballots in a peaceful and orderly manner.

On 11 January, when the multiparty democratic general election phase II was held, ter­rorist groups carried out a se­ries of attacks aimed at disrupt­ing the election process. They dropped bombs using drones in Pruhso of Kayah State, set fire to the administrator’s house in Taungthonlon Village, Kangyi Village-tract, Kyunsu Town­ship, Taninthayi Region, and at­tacked Gangaw, Seikpyu, Salin, and Kanma in Magway Region using fixed-wing drones, rock­ets, bombs, and small arms. In addition, homemade rockets were launched, and bombs were dropped in ChaungU, Budalin, and Myinmu of Sagaing Region, while drone bomb attacks were carried out in Htantabin Town­ship of Bago Region. These at­tacks were intended to disrupt election activities, cause casu­alties among voters, and create public panic.

Terrorist and destructive groups are employing various methods in an attempt to ensure the failure of the multiparty dem­ocratic general election process, which represents the path to­ward a multiparty democratic system desired by the people, to undermine national stability and peace, to delay the nation-build­ing and development processes being jointly implemented by the government and the people, and to damage election-related activities. Beginning from the pre-election period, they have committed bomb attacks using sound mines, improvised explo­sive devices, and drop bombs, issued threat letters, and spread false propaganda and fabricated reports through malicious and exile media outlets, among other acts of sabotage. Nevertheless, the government and the people are continuing to work togeth­er to uphold public stability and peace and to carry forward na­tional development processes.

At present, despite acts of obstruction and sabotage, Phases I and II of the multipar­ty democratic general election have already been successfully conducted. To continue advanc­ing the multiparty democratic system through prudent and measured means, responsible citizens who support and wel­come democracy and who desire national peace and stability, as well as the improvement of the people’s social well-being, are urged to cooperate with the rel­evant authorities to ensure the successful holding of Phase III of the multiparty democratic gener­al election. Hence, the people are also requested to promptly report to the relevant authorities any information on terrorist activities or suspicious matters they may encounter. — MNA/TTA