7 EAO Alliance’s 5-point demands lack of practical implementation
281
Htet Nadi/ Thant Zi (NP News) - May 11
U Tint Swe, the Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party, told The Statesman journal that the five-point proposal by the 7 EAO Alliance, which has signed the NCA, amounts to nothing more than political profiteering without practical implementation.
It is reported that the 7 EAO Alliance reviewed and revised its federal democratic transition proposal during a leadership meeting held on April 29 and 30, and officially announced the five-point proposal on May 5.
The five-point demands proposed by the 7 EAO Alliance include: a nationwide ceasefire declaration by all parties involved in the conflict, without any preconditions or predetermined codes of conduct; mutual commitment among relevant stakeholders to build a federal democratic union; formation of a federal democratic transitional government; drafting of a federal democratic constitution; and holding of elections in accordance with the federal democratic constitution.
U Tint Swe stated that these five proposals merely serve to delay the political process and amount to political profiteering without practical implementation, saying: “What they mentioned are impractical solutions, things that they like, but we don’t agree with. And they keep saying that ‘all-inclusive.’ That sounds good on paper, but is it really possible for everyone to be included? Saying ‘all-inclusive’ is just a convenient political phrase. It’s something you can say, but in reality, it’s not doable. Politics is being shaped like a popularity contest. These are just words used to gain political advantage, nothing more.”
He further added that the proposals made by the 7 EAO Alliance are simply a form of political mobilization.
He continued, “When they say these things, I have to ask—these phrases only started emerging recently. Those concepts weren’t present in the past. What I mean is, it feels more like political mobilization. If they really want change, then do they truly love the country? Do they genuinely love the nation? Do they sincerely desire peace? If they truly want federalism, it’s actually simple. Building a federal system is just a gradual step-by-step process. You can always add necessary elements later on.”
Similarly, another political analyst also stated that while the demands of the 7 EAO Alliance may stem from good intentions toward the nation, they do not align with the current on-the-ground realities within the country. He said, “The intention to bring about peace and stability to the nation is commendable, and the spirit behind it is good. However, considering the current circumstances on the ground, I would say that achieving an immediate and simultaneous nationwide ceasefire is very difficult. As for the point about making a commitment to establish a federal democratic union, the term ‘commitment’ is a strong and high-level word. Instead of making lofty promises, both sides should meet face-to-face to hold negotiations—not just about federalism, but about democracy too. Federalism and democracy are like two sides of the same coin. When you cross the river, you have to touch the water—meaning, if we move toward democracy, federalism will naturally follow. And when we discuss federalism, democracy must be present".