Election Commission Expands Military Operations in Resistance Areas as Election Nears

Pajau Media

October 19, 2025

While the Election Commission continues to insist that a democratic election will be held, it is simultaneously expanding new military fronts in resistance-controlled territories and carrying out intensified operations across those areas.

As part of preparations for the nationwide election organized under the leadership of the military-appointed Election Commission, voter lists have been announced in respective constituencies since early October, with extensions of announcement periods continuing in some areas.

Ahead of the upcoming election, in Kachin State’s Putao and Hkawng Lang Hpu township, both included in the planned polling areas, military forces have been increasing their presence and launching assaults, apparently attempting to gain full control over Putao.

Currently, fierce clashes are taking place between the junta troops, local Militia Joint Forces, and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). In recent days, the military has stepped up activities near Tanja and Machangbaw. Tanja villages is close to the Putao-Lung Sha Yang area.

Although the junta’s Election Commission has announced that voting will take place in Myitkyina, Tanai, Mohnyin, Putao, and Hkawng Lang Hpu townships of Kachin State, troop reinforcements continue in Putao and Hkawng Lang Hpu. Since early October, pro-military demonstrations have been held in these regions, reportedly protected by local pro-junta groups.

The junta is portraying the planned December election as a “solution” to Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis and is campaigning for international recognition and support.

However, observers note that the true meaning of an election lies in reflecting the people’s will. Although no world leaders who have met with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing have openly opposed the election, it is also understood that elections are considered a domestic affair, and foreign governments have not officially voiced opposition a fact the junta exploits to justify proceeding with its election plan to maintain power.

Analysts believe that the junta is pushing ahead with election preparations as a means of securing its grip on power, despite widespread conflict and instability.

As election day approaches, observers have reported increased airstrikes and heavy attacks nationwide, claiming these are part of the junta’s desperate bid to sustain its rule sacrificing countless innocent lives in what some analysts describe as a “gamble for power.”

The junta, which presents elections as the only possible way to resolve Myanmar’s current political crisis, has recently intensified airstrikes targeting civilians not only in Rakhine State, where it has already lost most of its control, but also in other ethnic revolutionary territories across the country.

In a recent interview with the editor-in-chief of The Irrawaddy News, Lt-Gen Tun Myat Naing, commander of the Arakan Army (AA), also commented on the situation, saying:

“If the political and military crisis is to be solved in a proper way, the political path is the best solution. But for that path to work, the foundation and the process must be right. The foundation means finding a peaceful political solution for the country.

When that process is implemented, those who deserve and ought to participate must be included. Only then will it be legitimate and accepted by the people. But if those rightful participants are sidelined and the process is shaped according to one’s own will, it’s merely exploiting an illegitimate path to gain power.

Even if public trust is lacking, people might still think certain actions are right, like releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is already over 80 years old,” he said.

According to the Election Commission’s announcement on October 15, candidates contesting in the junta organized election will be allowed to conduct their campaign activities for 60 days (two months), from October 28 at 6 a.m. until midnight on December 26, in accordance with parliamentary election laws.

The directive also prohibits the use of religion for political purposes, defamation of the military, or any acts that could “weaken or discredit” the armed forces, including statements, publications, or speeches. Moreover, candidates must seek approval from local Election Commission offices for campaign venues, dates, times, and speaker information.

As of October 10, the first round of voter lists has been published, with some regions extending the announcement period further.

The Election Commission has stated that Phase 1 of the junta’s election plan will be conducted in 102 townships, beginning on December 28, 2025.

- Pilan U