China’s Envoy Calls On Myanmar Junta Election Chief

Chinese ambassador Chen Hai met junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) chairman Thein Soe in Naypyitaw earlier this week as the regime continues to plan for a general election. The ambassador asked about election preparations, the status of political parties and the holding of a free and fair election in a peaceful and stable environment, according to junta media. China has said it does not want Myanmar’s dominant National League for Democracy to be dissolved by the regime. But China is largely supportive of the regime and has shown an interest in junta election plans. The regime last month enacted a law, which requires parties to re-register with the UEC. Seventeen parties have reregistered so far. The junta has invited tenders to supply polling station materials and is planning to introduce electronic voting. The regime has not announced an election date but it said voter lists will be prepared based on the census. The regime’s immigration ministry this week announced a census for October next year, leading analysts to suggest an election is not being planned until early 2025, reports The Irrawaddy.