In a significant escalation of tensions in Myanmar, a resistance group has detained Wai Lin Htet, a candidate from the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party, as the country prepares for elections on December 28, 2023. This incident marks the first known detention of an election candidate ahead of the polls, underscoring the volatile political landscape following the military takeover in February 2021.
Context of Growing Tensions
The detention occurred in Pakokku Township, located in the Magway Region, a known stronghold of armed resistance against the military government. According to the state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper, Wai Lin Htet was taken from his home at 15:00 on Saturday by three members of the People’s Defense Force, a local resistance group. These individuals arrived on motorbikes, indicating the level of organization within the resistance movement.
This latest action highlights the increasing confrontations between local resistance forces and the military government, which has faced widespread opposition since it ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military’s response to protests against its rule has been notably violent, prompting many citizens to take up arms and form groups like the People’s Defense Force.
Critics of the upcoming election have condemned it as a façade designed to legitimize military rule. Many opposition organizations, including armed resistance groups, have expressed their intention to disrupt the electoral process, which they view as a sham.
International Concern and Legal Implications
Concerns about the legitimacy of the election were echoed by Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the United Nations’ human rights office. He stated that the electoral environment is “rife with threats and violence,” severely limiting political participation for those opposing the military regime.
The legal context surrounding the detention of Wai Lin Htet is particularly severe. Authorities have indicated that they are pursuing charges against the three individuals involved under a new electoral law. This law imposes a maximum penalty of seven years in prison for detaining a parliamentary candidate and obstructing their election activities.
Since the enactment of this law in July, reports indicate that nearly 100 individuals, including film directors and political activists, have been arrested, with some receiving sentences of up to 49 years.
In light of this incident, Sai Ai Pao, chairman of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party, declined to comment on the situation due to concerns for the candidate’s safety. Once a smaller ethnic party focused on the Shan and Kachin states, the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party has expanded significantly, contesting the national elections with over 580 candidates, making it the fifth-largest party in the electoral race.
While the party has not explicitly aligned itself with or against the military, its participation in the elections raises questions about its position and the implications for political dynamics in Myanmar.
