Myanmar activist: Don’t recognize 'sham' electionーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts:

• Myanmar Military Junta
• 2021 Coup
• Multi-phase General Election
• Sham Election
• Civilian Governance
• Pro-democracy Activist
• State of Emergency
• ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
• Conflict Resolution
• Democratization

Myanmar's Upcoming Election: A Sham or a Transition?

The Myanmar military has announced plans to hold a multi-phase general election starting next month, marking the first electoral event since the 2021 coup. The junta claims this election is intended to facilitate the transfer of government control back to civilian hands. However, a pro-democracy activist, King Omar, who recently visited Japan, has urged the international community to reject the election's outcome, labeling it a "sham."

Activist's Perspective: Strengthening Military Control

King Omar, a Myanmar national residing in Japan, delivered a lecture in Tokyo asserting that the upcoming vote is strategically designed to reinforce the military's grip on power. She explained that after four years since the 2021 coup, the junta needs to advance its agenda. This involves a rebranding effort, including changing the military's name and uniforms to appear civilian, thereby presenting a facade of legitimate governance to the global community. Omar stated, "The whole purpose of planning to hold this so-called election is because after four years since 2021 they need to move on. They need to take another step and change the name, change the uniform into civilian, show the whole world that they are the government of Myamar. and the only way to show is holding quote unquote election."

Lifting of State of Emergency and Call for International Support

In July, the junta lifted the state of emergency that had been in effect since the coup and subsequently announced the election schedule as a supposed transition to civilian rule. King Omar appealed for international backing, particularly from Japan, to amplify her message. She urged the Japanese government to "take the side with the mama people, support our democracy struggle and renounce this Sham election and the Sham election result."

Legitimacy Concerns: Limited Participation and Restricted Freedoms

During an interview with NHK, Omar elaborated on the election's lack of legitimacy. She highlighted that only parties with ties to the junta are permitted to participate, and freedom of expression is severely curtailed. As evidence, she cited the arrest of 88 individuals, including filmmakers, comedians, and actors, within the past two months. Some were sentenced to three to five years in prison within a week of their arrest, solely for expressing their feelings about the election on social media, even without explicitly using the word "election."

Escalating Conflict and Civilian Casualties

The political climate is further exacerbated by ongoing clashes between the military and pro-democracy and ethnic minority forces. Reports suggest the military is intensifying its attacks across the country in an attempt to expand its territorial control in the lead-up to the vote. Omar emphasized that many of the victims of this violence are civilians, including children. She reiterated her plea for international assistance, warning that if the military consolidates its power, "that means there are more human tragedy for the mama people." She expressed hope that the Japanese government, at this "cross cutting you know like this uh turning point for my democracy," would "take the right side of the people's movement for democracy."

International Recognition and ASEAN's Stance

Despite Myanmar's insistence that the election will be free and fair, it has failed to garner international recognition for its legitimacy. The junta requested that ASEAN send observers to monitor the election, but diplomatic sources indicate that the bloc has decided against it.

Continued Resistance and Uncertain Future

Meanwhile, pro-democracy forces within Myanmar persist in their resistance, and activists like King Omar are actively working to raise global awareness. However, these efforts have not deterred the junta from steadily consolidating its political power. Observers express concern that the election may not usher in peace and stability for Myanmar. They stress the continued importance of international pressure on the military rulers to engage in conflict resolution through dialogue and to advance democratization.