Myanmar’s military has urged pro-democracy forces to put down their weapons and resolve political issues through an election next year. But the armed opposition has dismissed the call, saying the junta does not have the authority to hold a vote.
The military made the statement through state-run television on Thursday. It said preparations are underway for a census starting next week ahead of the general election.
Independent media in Myanmar quoted a spokesperson for pro-democracy camp the National Unity Government as saying the military’s proposal is not worth considering.
Thammasat University Associate Professor Dulyapak Preecharush is an expert on Myanmar. Dulyapak says increased pressure from China may be behind the junta’s proposal. He says: “China has boosted its support for the Myanmar government. We can see that Beijing is trying to pressure various parties to negotiate as long as its interests are protected.”
A UN report says over 5,000 civilians have died since the 2021 coup due to the military crackdown and airstrikes.