Political parties challenge KNU chair’s remark that entire nation must block election
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Phyo/ Thant Zin (NP News) - Aug 18
Political parties have reportedly challenged the statement by the KNU (Karen National Union) chairman that the entire nation is responsible for preventing the election from happening.
The above-mentioned issue was discussed by political parties at a press conference titled ‘Elections for the People,’ held at the Sky Star Hotel in Yangon on August 14.
The KNU Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win said that the upcoming election is being held to gain international recognition and legitimacy.
“Holding the election by the State Security and Peace Commission is tantamount to ratifying the 2008 Constitution and the continuation of its rule indefinitely, so it is the responsibility of the entire nation to prevent the election from happening,” said Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win.
He made the remarks in a televised message delivered to the public at the Karen Martyr's Day ceremony on August 12.
Therefore, political parties questioned the KNU chairman's opinion against the election during their initial discussions.
“As far as we have studied, nationalism is the responsibility each citizen owes to their country and fellow citizens, proportionate to his or her ability. So, when considering national interests, we must take into account factors such as the stability, peace, and tranquility of the country. Another point is that the factors or rules that should be present in this sense of national duty must include patriotism above all else. The critical question remains: Does the person who just made that statement represent the whole country? Or was he speaking based only on his own state’s perspective?” asked U Khin Yi, chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
Furthermore, an official from the National Interest Development Party (NIDP) also questioned the KNU chairman's statement. “What some people say about the election, for example, I heard a news report the other day. A KNU leader said that the election should be canceled. If it is canceled, I have a question. They say they don’t like military rule, yet they don’t want the election to be held. If they don’t want to follow the election process, what process do they want to go through? What do they want to do? What do they want to happen? We want to ask those questions,” said an official from the NIDP. –