About half of the area of Rakhine State cannot hold elections and local people are living in fear, so Arakan Army (AA) should be on track for peace, said President Office spokesperson Zaw Htay. 

He made the remark after the question of a reporter about the AA’s arrest of three National League for Democracy candidates during the press briefing held at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on October 23. 

He stressed the need to grab the government’s peace offer promising 100 percent guarantee for security for representatives coming to peace talks. 

“Regarding the arrests made by AA, I have said in previous press conferences. The government has opened a peace door. It is a solution to our peace for AA leaders. They should review themselves whether they really want peace or not. They need to decide which way is good for both Rakhine State and the union. Otherwise, the problem will worsen,” Zaw Htay said. 

He also commented that AA should stop cooperation with foreign organizations and instead it should look forward to collaboration with the forces in the union territory and the state. 

People’s choice should be prioritized because they have been waiting for years to elect the representative they like, he added. 

“Looking back to the history of our country, it has not been long since the people had the chance to choose the representatives they like through voting. It is an important step in democracy. I mean we are going step by step to reach the democracy goal. So I think any act to disrupt the election process should not be committed,” said the spokesperson. 

The Union Election Commission has said if Rakhine State can ensure regional peace and stability and a free and fair election, it will be allowed to hold it. So, cooperation is necessary among AA, the government, political forces and people in Rakhine State and the union government, he said.