A spokesperson from the Kawthaung Township People’s Defense Force has announced that they will not allow the military council’s election to take place within Kawthaung Township, Tanintharyi Region. The People’s Defense Force, operating under the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government in Kawthaung Township, Kawthaung District, Tanintharyi Region, has stated that the 2020 election results remain politically legitimate, and attempting to create an illegal election without the consent of elected representatives and the public constitutes a violation of democratic principles.
The group has declared their opposition to the illegal mock election and fake peace processes being conducted by the terrorist military group seeking to extend their authoritarian rule, stating that such activities will not be permitted within Kawthaung Township. The Kawthaung Township People’s Defense Force will oppose and protest against the military council’s election, and if any election-related activities are attempted within the township, they will be prevented through available means. The organization has emphasized that if military action becomes necessary, special care will be taken to avoid harm to innocent civilians.
The People’s Defense Force has urged the public not to support or assist with the military council’s election in any way. They have also issued a warning that if anyone involved in supporting the military council’s election activities suffers any consequences, the People’s Defense Force should not be blamed as they will be operating according to established procedures. The group maintains that the military council’s attempts to hold an election and conduct peace talks are merely facade activities aimed at prolonging their grip on power and strengthening their authoritarian system, and they have called on the revolutionary public in Kawthaung Township to maintain a firm stance against these activities without participating in or supporting them.
