Arakan News Agency | Exclusive
The first phase of Myanmar’s elections, held on Sunday and organized by the ruling military council, concluded amid widespread rejection from political parties, civil society, and opposition groups, who argue that the electoral process lacks legitimacy and imposes a political reality by force.
The elections took place in a context marked by systematic marginalization of large segments of society, most notably the Rohingya minority, who remain deprived of their basic rights, including citizenship and political participation.
Co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition (RFC), Nay San Lwin, described the elections as a “farce,” stating that the Myanmar military council is attempting to legitimize itself through the vote despite the rejection of the coup by the people of Myanmar and the international community.
In statements to Arakan News Agency, he added that the military council aims to present itself as a civilian government—a government that lacks freedom, integrity, and legitimacy—hence armed resistance will continue.
Regarding the Rohingya, Lwin confirmed that these elections will make no difference for them, as they have been deprived of voting rights since 2015, noting that the Rohingya in northern Arakan remain under the control of Buddhist Arakan militias (Arakan Army), where elections are not conducted.
He added: “Those detained in the so-called IDP camps in the state capital, Sittwe, are not recognized as citizens and therefore have no right to participate in these elections.”
Lwin emphasized that nothing will change for the Rohingya until the regime alters its policies toward them, recognizes them as an ethnic group, and restores their full citizenship rights.
On Sunday, the first phase of voting began in the elections organized by the Myanmar military council under strict restrictions and widespread criticism, nearly five years after the ousting of the elected civilian government—a move that sparked a civil war still ongoing today.
A number of foreign election observers arrived in Myanmar from various countries to monitor the phased general elections conducted by the military council, while local and international actors have condemned the planned vote as rigged and aimed at consolidating military rule.
The Rohingya have previously expressed deep disappointment with the elections, considering that they offer no hope of returning to their homeland or reclaiming their stolen rights, as their suffering continues in refugee camps in Bangladesh and neighboring countries.
