Vetting Matters: Calls Grow to Bar Rights Abusers from Junta’s Election in Mon State

October 22, 2025

HURFOM: As the junta prepares to hold its planned 2025 election, political observers and rights monitors in Mon State are warning that without proper vetting of candidates, individuals with a history of serious crimes, corruption, and human rights violations could once again gain power.

They are urging the public to assess who they vote for carefully and to reject those who have previously participated in abuses, exploitation, and collaboration with the Junta’s repressive system.

“Vetting is not just a political process; it’s about protecting people’s rights and dignity. If known abusers or corrupt officials return to power, it will be a disaster for ordinary civilians,” said one political observer in Mon State.

Although the vetting of candidates is complicated in areas under the junta’s tight control, such as Mon State, rights advocates emphasize that citizens can still make informed choices by examining each candidate’s record, behaviour, and links to repression.

Many Union Solidarity and Development Party candidates running in Mon State are reportedly former junta administrators, military officers, and collaborators directly involved in arbitrary arrests, extortion, land grabs, and local surveillance.

In Mawlamyine Township, residents have identified notorious figures such as U Thet Htwe, the Mon State USDP Chair, and U Tin Cho, the Township Party Chairman, among those contesting in the upcoming election.

“Both of them are known criminals. Their human rights violations continue even today. U Tin Cho acts like a thug leader. He’s involved in illegal gambling networks, unlicensed lotteries, and land confiscations. He’s also behind the extortion of young men being forced into military service,” said a 40-year-old Mawlamyine resident who previously worked with the township election commission.

According to the Election Commission’s latest announcement, U Tin Cho has been nominated as a proportional representative candidate for the Mon State Parliament (Constituency No. 1) under the USDP ticket, a move that has deepened local fears.

A source close to the Mon State administration confirmed that several other USDP candidates are widely known for illegal gambling operations, drug trafficking, and organized extortion networks.

“Some already have plans to secure top government positions if they win — like becoming ministers or senior department heads,” said the source.

In Mudon Township, informants told HURFOM that USDP officials U Min Aung Myint and U Zaw Myint have allegedly accepted bribes and are promoting their allies in exchange for loyalty.

“In the villages, they’re threatening those who oppose the election with harsh punishment. They alter voter lists anytime they wish to make the process chaotic and untrustworthy,” said a youth from Mudon Township. USDP loyalists have also formed gang-like groups, and some are reportedly armed and supported by the junta under the guise of local security.

In Mawlamyine, ward administrators appointed by Party’s Chair are all USDP members, earning about millions of MMK in illegal monthly income and paying to higher officials, according to a local community worker. These administrators profit from illegal businesses such as restaurants, karaoke bars, massage parlors, drug sales, gambling, land speculation, and recruitment fees for conscription.

Since early 2024, gambling venues have reopened openly across Mawlamyine, bringing increased profits to junta-linked local officials.

Local civil society networks and legal experts stress that vetting electoral candidates is a necessary step to prevent human rights abusers from holding public office again.

“Under international law, vetting helps ensure accountability and trust in public institutions,” explained a young lawyer and CDM activist based in an ERO-controlled area.

“Even if we can’t stop the Junta’s election, we can still refuse to legitimize it by voting for known criminals. It’s our responsibility as citizens. If these people return to power, the consequences will be unbearable.”

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News