Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has promised to hold multi-party democracy general election and guaranteed the establishment of a democratic federal union. 

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, also chair of the State Administration Council, made the pledge during a speech to mark the six month of the SAC assuming State duties on August 1.

After the cancellation of the 2020 election results, measures will be taken in accord with the provisions of the state of emergency and a free and fair election must be held again. If the duty could not be assumed in one year, the period could be extended for six more months two times, the military chief pointed out.

During the period, the SAC will try to finish what is all should be done. Upon completion, six months of preparation is necessary for the election in accord with the law, he said.

“Making calculations, all the tasks must be finished by August 2023. According to the five-point roadmap of the SAC, the last point says upon accomplishing of the provisions of the state of emergency, free and fair multiparty democratic elections will be held, and further work will be undertaken to hand over State duties to the winning party in accordance with democratic standards. For this process, we must create conditions to hold a free and fair election. I promise that the multi-party democracy general election will be held without fail,” the Senior General said.

He pointed out peace, stability and rule of law are key to the emergence of a free and fair election. That means, he said, peace and stability in terms of politics, security and economy. Continued measures are also necessary in the rule of law to develop good habits to respect the existing laws, he commented. 

“We are doing our job to implement genuine multi-party democracy. I hereby guarantee the establishment of a union based on democracy and federalism. Mainly, it is our duty to complete all the tasks smoothly for the election within the prescribed period,” said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Under an electoral plan from the ministry of labour, immigration and population, it takes about 18 months if a 300-strong workforce is to be used. However, measures are being taken as speedily as possible. The public desire for a genuine, disciplined multi-party democracy must be fulfilled, he added.