[Bangkok = Taiki Fujikawa]Myanmar’s military commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing said at a meeting of the highest decision-making body “National Governance Council” on the 1st that the census procedure will start from 2024, followed by general elections. announced that it will implement Some speculate that the national census will take about two years, and the general election may be delayed until 2026.
A supporter holds up a portrait of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest against the military regime in front of the Myanmar embassy in February in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP)
The military, which seized power in the coup d’état, has sought to hold general elections early and legitimize its rule. However, the pro-democracy armed group “People’s Defense Forces (PDF)” and ethnic minority armed groups continue to face fierce resistance in various parts of Myanmar, making it difficult to predict the implementation of the general election. The military tried again in 2010 to conduct a census, but failed.
At the meeting, Min Aung Hlaing said he would “take action for the peace and stability of the country” toward the holding of the general election, and indicated his intention to push forward with suppressing resistance forces.
◆ Cities are ruled by the military, resistance is strong in parts of the eastern and central regions
Despite sporadic guerrilla attacks in urban areas such as Yangon, the largest city, and the capital Naypyidaw, the military has consolidated control. On the other hand, there are frequent battles in some states and regions, such as the eastern Kayah state and the central Bago region, and it is reported that the national army is outnumbered in localized battles.
PDF members explaining the fighting in the central Bago region in an online interview on the 4th
From August 29 to September 1, around Chau Gyi township in Bago region, fighting took place between the PDF “Yoma Front” and the 3rd Brigade of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), an ethnic armed group, and the majority of the resistance forces. occupied.
A 38-year-old PDF member who took part in the fighting said more than 80 soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting, which took place at three locations, including an army outpost. Many weapons and ammunition were seized. Currently, 70% of this area is said to be in the hands of the resistance forces, and he said, “In the future, we plan to expand the liberated area to the Tanintharyi area.”
Suu Kyi complains of dizziness and nausea
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Yapye, who has been appointed by the military as the interior minister, met with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi at a prison in Nay Pyi Taw on the 1st, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Suu Kyi said she had recently complained of dizziness and nausea and wanted to see a doctor, but the army refused. The military has not disclosed Suu Kyi’s health status.
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2023-09-04 11:48:52
