Junta accelerates military operations: Electorate view it part of a ‘sham election’
October 21, 2025
HURFOM: The junta-controlled union election commission announced what is widely referred to by the electorate as a ‘sham election’ will be held in three parts or phases. Phase one will be held on December 28th. The second phase will begin in the first and second week of January, 2026 and the third part will take place on August 18th, 2026.
The first part of the junta’s election process will include Kyike Hto, Kyikemayaw, Chaung Zone, Mawlamyine and Thaton Townships of Mon State; Hpa-An, Myawaddy and Tan Daung Gyi Townships of Karen State; and Kaw Thaung, Dawei, Boat Pyin and Myeik Townships of Tenasserim Division.
Preceding the election, the junta has accelerated military operations by launching armed advances, indiscriminate artillery attacks and air assaults in Mon, Karen and Tenasserim regions.
“During these days, we’re hearing the sound of aircraft both day and night. It’s worse at night. The aircraft flies very low and the sound is very loud. We’re afraid of the aircraft dropping bombs,” said a local villager from the Northern Ye Township.
The junta’s army has also been advancing into Tenasserim, Long Lone and Tha Yet Chaung Townships in the Tenasserim Division. They have suffered heavy battles with the local revolutionary forces. The junta resorted to launching airstrikes during these confrontations.
“Tha Yet Chaung has been included in the first part of the sham election so the junta’s army is advancing into the area at the moment. They also cut off the Internet. The military tension is eased in the townships that don’t host the first part of the election,” said a local villager from Tha Yet Chaung Township.
The junta said they would reclaim the territories controlled by the ethnic armed groups. To do this they are relying on a large number of troops to advance into Kaw Ka Rate, Myawaddy and Kyarinnseikyi Townships of Karen State. The junta has also launched artillery and air assaults to support their military advance.
“The junta’s army has been conducting a “clearance operation” alongside the road from Kyarinnseikyi to Three Pagoda Pass — it is all part of making sure their sham election is seen to be successful,” said a villager from Karen State.
The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the Karen State Border Guard Force are cooperating with the junta’s army.
“They have been conducting their “clearance operation” since September to secure the election. At the same time the junta is urging people to check their voters’ list. They have also organized a “training for voting” program,” said a resident from Kyarinnseikyi Township.
The junta announced that voters’ lists are ready in Mon, Karen and Tenasserim areas on October 1st, 2025; however, almost no one has shown interest or is bothering to check the list.
The junta-controlled union election commission announced that there are six Union-leveled political parties and 51 State or Division-leveled political parties, for a total of 57 parties.
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