Civil War Shadows Elections in Myanmar’s Pekon Constituency

Fighters from the Kayan National Army maintained a vigilant presence on a hilltop overlooking a displaced people’s camp in Pekon, Myanmar, as voters participated in elections overseen by the ruling junta. This scenario highlights the stark divisions within the country, which have deepened since the military coup five years ago. Pekon, located in Shan State in the northeast, is a microcosm of Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles) from the Thai border.

In the early morning hours, displaced residents huddled around cooking fires in makeshift bamboo shelters, their living conditions emblematic of the wider humanitarian crisis affecting millions. “While the election is happening, they are still bombing the public by plane,” stated Simonet, 40, a resident of the camp. He expressed skepticism about the potential for peace resulting from the elections, saying, “If you ask me if the election will bring peace, I don’t think so.”

The junta has promoted the election as a pathway to reconciliation, even as it executed numerous military offensives intended to regain control. On state television, polling stations in junta-held areas of Pekon were shown opening, with the military asserting that the elections would return power to the people. Despite this, Simonet’s camp, among those listed for voting in the final phase of the month-long election, remains governed by anti-junta forces.

Distrust in the Political Process

Residents of Pekon expressed a pervasive distrust toward the military and its affiliated political party. “I don’t think anything will be different with the new government,” Simonet remarked, emphasizing the lack of public confidence in the junta. “Since they don’t have any trust in the public, we don’t trust them.” Estimates regarding the territory lost by the military to rebel groups vary significantly, with the junta canceling voting in about 20% of townships.

In areas controlled by the junta, the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party is projected to achieve a significant electoral victory. This outcome has drawn criticism, with observers arguing that the electoral process has been manipulated to extend the military’s grip on power. A 20-year-old camp resident named William voiced his disillusionment, stating, “It’s impossible for it to be free and fair. I believe they’re holding it just to sustain their power.”

During a visit to polling stations in Mandalay, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing encouraged citizens “to work for the good of the nation and to be open-minded” following the elections. Yet, for many in Pekon, the reality on the ground tells a different story. William encapsulated the sentiment of many when he said, “This isn’t a government we chose.”

As Myanmar continues to grapple with the consequences of the military coup and the ongoing civil war, the situation in Pekon serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the nation. The elections, while heralded by the junta as a step toward democracy, are overshadowed by deep-rooted mistrust and ongoing violence, leaving many questioning their true impact on the future of Myanmar.