Government reaches out to PDFs, urging again to join path toward democracy and federalism
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– Hsu(NP News)
The National Defence and Security Commission has issued another invitation, welcoming members of the People's Defence Force (PDF) and other armed groups who genuinely wish to act in the nation's and the region's best interests.
Members of the PDF and other armed groups have returned to their families after accepting the invitation to rejoin the legal fold. They made this decision after recognizing the state's genuine goodwill and desire to establish a democratic, federal-based union.
Regarding the voter list errors that occurred during the 2020 general election, several requests to address the errors were rejected. Trying to convene the Hluttaw (parliament) based on disputed election results through force was an action that, under Article 417 of the Constitution, constitutes an unlawful attempt to seize state power. All appeals for the Union Government, Union Parliament, and Union Election Commission to seek solutions were neglected. The refusal to investigate voter list errors and electoral fraud, to convene a special session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament), and to provide transparent solutions demonstrated a lack of accountability and indicated the presence of electoral fraud. Furthermore, attempts to seize power by force involved the direct leadership and participation of the then President of the State, who was accountable for these actions. Additionally, it was revealed that the then State President was directly involved in the unlawful power seizure attempt and engaged in certain personal misconducts beyond constitutional responsibilities, resulting in legal action.
Following the declaration of a state of emergency, the acting President transferred state power to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services, as permitted by the Constitution.
The statement claimed that the Commander-in-Chief exercised state power constitutionally to investigate electoral fraud and hold a free and fair election. However, to mislead both domestic and international opinion, the Tatmadaw (military) has been wrongly accused of undermining democracy. The statement further alleged that groups such as the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH ) and the National Unity Government (NUG) were unlawfully formed. These groups, by portraying themselves as a legitimate government, gave people, especially the youth, false hope and pushed them toward armed violence.
It was further stated that the CRPH and NUG had established PDF groups under the command of certain EAOs to obtain weapons and ammunition. These PDF members were subsequently used by some EAOs as stooges in violent acts and territorial expansion efforts, thus placing their lives in significant danger.
Some violent Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) are facing difficulties due to cooperation between the government and neighboring countries, which is also increasing hardship for PDF members. It is also stated that the time has come to clearly acknowledge that armed violence is what has truly hindered democracy.
It continued that the Government, the people, the military, political parties, and even PDF members all desire a democratic, federal union. However, the CRPH and NUG are exploiting armed conflict and a democratic façade to maintain their self-proclaimed status as the elected government. This has obviously delayed and hindered democratic progress, it added.
Finally, the statement reiterated the following on its invitation: Members of PDF and other armed groups are welcome to cooperate with the Government and the military in building a future democratic and federal union after the upcoming election. They may contact the nearest military camps or local authorities, either individually or in groups, to coordinate their return to the legal fold and reintegration.