By Kantarawaddy Times
The military council is reportedly undertaking preparations to organize elections in Loikaw, the capital of Karenni State, according to accounts from local residents.
As part of these efforts, a two-day election training workshop was held from June 13 to 14 at the state hall. The training primarily focused on the use of Myanmar’s Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Participants of the training are expected to educate the public on how to operate these machines during the voting process.
“They seem determined to proceed with the election,” one resident remarked. “Currently, both military-backed militias and the state security forces have regained strength in Loikaw, which suggests that the military is committed to moving forward with the electoral process.
Although many displaced individuals have returned to their homes in Loikaw, the threat of landmines remains widespread throughout the city. Military checkpoints at city entry points continue to conduct searches and arrests, making it difficult for Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) staff to return to their home safely.
“I don’t even know which parties are running,” said another local resident. “I don’t know how we’re supposed to vote. If we refuse, we don’t know what kind of threats we might face. Armed presence is everywhere and it’s terrifying.”
The Kayah State People’s Party (KySPP), which was formed after the military coup, received official registration approval from the military council’s election commission on December 26, 2024. Locals believe the party is affiliated with the military regime and will participate in the upcoming military-organized elections.
The military council has announced its intention to hold nationwide elections by the end of 2025. Analysts suggest that the regime is attempting to carry out elections in areas of Karenni State that remain under its controldespite ongoing armed conflict.
Resistance forces opposing the military junta have urged the public not to participate in the planned elections and are calling for widespread boycott and rejection of the process.
