Junta Cancels Elections in Two More Kachin Townships Amid Intensifying Conflict; USDP Candidate Disqualified
The military junta’s Election Commission announced on January 21 the cancellation of elections in Mansi and Momauk townships, Kachin State, leading to the disqualification of a Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) candidate.
U Kwan San, the USDP candidate for the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) in Mansi Township, had his candidacy revoked following the commission’s decision that the environment is no longer conducive for polling. This development comes as the junta prepares for “Phase 3” of its widely criticized election, scheduled for January 25.
In addition to the total cancellation in Mansi and Momauk, the commission also announced that voting will not take place in 10 urban wards and one village tract in Bhamo Township.
While the junta initially planned to hold Phase 3 elections in Mansi, Momauk, Bhamo, Hpakant, and Shwegu townships, the escalating conflict between the military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has significantly shrunk the electoral map. Six townships in Kachin State are now completely excluded from the process.
According to the latest data, elections have been cancelled in 503 out of 782 wards and village tracts across Kachin State. This means that approximately 64 percent of the state will be unable to participate in the junta’s proposed polls due to the ongoing civil war.
Note: This news has been translated and presented using AI.