Myanmar Spring Chronicle – June 7 View
(MoeMaKa, June 8, 2025):
Military Council Plans to Hold Elections in 267 Townships, While a Young Karenni Girl Dies by Suicide After Being Unable to Attend School
The military council, which seized power more than four years ago citing alleged voter fraud, has announced it plans to hold elections in December 2025 or January 2026. Following that, the Union Election Commission responded to media inquiries stating that elections are planned in 267 out of 330 townships nationwide.
While this figure represents about 80% of all townships, it remains uncertain whether elections can actually be held in all 267. In many areas, the junta controls only the urban centers—not the surrounding rural village tracts that fall under the jurisdiction of the township.
For example, in Sagaing Region, townships like Pale, Yinmarbin, Depayin, Salin Gyi, Ayadaw, Shwebo, Wetlet, Taze, Ye-U, Khin-U, and Mingin are said to be under junta control only in their towns, while the surrounding villages are controlled by various resistance groups.
Similarly, in Kachin State, many townships are held by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). In northern Shan, only a handful of townships are under junta control. In Karenni (Kayah) State, only towns like Loikaw and Bawlakhe are under their control. Much of Karen State is held by the KNU, defected BGF units, and the DKBA.
In Chin State, only towns like Haka and Tedim remain under junta control, while most rural areas are controlled by the Chin National Front (CNF/CNA) and other local Chin forces.
The PDF, KNU, and TNLA maintain large swathes of territory in Mandalay, Bago, and Magway regions—Mogok is under TNLA control.
With such territorial fragmentation, it is clear that nationwide elections under the junta are not feasible. Realistically, the junta might only be able to hold elections in townships it fully controls, especially urban centers—potentially staging a controlled and favorable result.
Historically, before the 2010 and 2015 elections, the military forced many generals into retirement to run as candidates under the USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party). This strategy appears to be resurfacing. According to a BBC Burmese report, some generals are already being approached to declare interest in candidacy. The speculation is that current USDP leaders may not fully support Min Aung Hlaing, and the military is looking to reassert control over the party.
One example: former agriculture and irrigation minister General Myint Hlaing is rumored to be a candidate. This suggests a broader strategy of moving senior military figures—generals and lieutenant generals—into political roles via the USDP.
Though the number “267” appears on paper, the actual number of townships where elections can be held remains to be seen.
Tragic Story: A Karenni Girl Dies by Suicide After Being Unable to Attend School
A heartbreaking event was also reported today. A 13-year-old girl named Ma She Mae, a displaced Karenni child, died by suicide after being unable to continue her education.
She lived in a rural IDP community in Loikaw Township. In a farewell note to her family, she expressed her longing to attend school and her sadness that they couldn’t afford school supplies. The note left readers deeply moved.
Conflict and displacement have robbed families of stable jobs, properties, and economic security. With skyrocketing prices due to sanctions and instability, families are struggling to feed their children, let alone support their education.
The girl had completed Grade 5 and should have been in Grade 7 at her age. Her case reflects the broader crisis where COVID-19 and the civil war have severely disrupted the education of countless children.
While the exact number of children in similar situations is unknown, it’s clear that tens or even hundreds of thousands of children have been denied access to joyful learning during this prolonged civil war.