Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has expressed his intention to prepare for upcoming elections and assured that he would transfer power to the winning party.
This statement comes at a time when ethnic armies have made significant territorial gains in several states, and the junta army is facing setbacks in various battle zones.
The junta leader made these remarks during his visit to Pathein in the Ayeyarwady Region, overseen by the Southwestern Command, on 20 January, as reported by The Irrawaddy.
Ethnic armies are making substantial progress in northern Shan State, as well as Karenni (Kayah), Chin, Karen, and Rakhine states.
The regime has already lost control of some 30 towns, and is struggling to defend several others from resistance attacks.
According to a Reuters report, nearly 700 Myanmar soldiers have crossed into northeast India in the past two months. This movement follows actions by anti-junta groups in Myanmar, supported by a pro-democracy parallel government, who have seized control of several military posts and towns near the country's borders.
Over the past week, Min Aung Hlaing engaged in discussions with the special envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as newly appointed ambassadors from Brazil and Egypt. During these discussions, he emphasized his regime's preparations for an upcoming poll and reiterated the Myanmar military's commitment to the principles of multi-party democratic elections.
Simultaneously, Thein Soe, the junta-appointed Union Election Commission chairman, held talks with the Russian Ambassador in Naypyitaw, focusing on enhancing cooperation between the election bodies of Myanmar and Russia.
Min Aung Hlaing has often said the election would be held across Myanmar. For now, it appears the regime might not be able to conduct the census, let alone hold a poll. In fact, Min Aung Hlaing has not even been able to fix a date for the proposed poll, despite his promise of a power transfer.
