THE multiparty democratic general election will be held on 28 December this year, and all sectors are actively working to ensure its successful conduct. For the country to return from its current situation to the path of democracy, it is essential to hold a free and fair election. The Hluttaw and government formed from this election will lead the country toward a new chapter.

Every adult citizen has the right to vote in elections, which is a fundamental citizen’s right and a means to participate in gov­ernment affairs through representatives they elect. According to the Constitution (2008), Chapter 8, “Citizen, Fundamental Rights and Duties of the Citizens,” Section 369 (a) states, “Subject to this Constitution and relevant laws, every citizen has the right to elect and right to be elected to the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw, and the Region or State Hlut­taw.” Therefore, every citizen should freely cast their vote for candidates and parties they believe can serve the interests of the nation, the public, and their local communities.

The country has over­come obstacles and chal­lenges to reach the path of democracy. At the end of this year, efforts must be made to ensure the successful conduct of the general election for all parties. Individuals should be mindful that their words, ac­tions, and the conduct of those around them do not hinder or obstruct preparations for the election. The State has enact­ed laws to protect the general elections from interference or disruption and to safeguard the election process, candi­dates and parties campaign­ing, polling station staff and assistants, as well as voters from threats, obstruction, disturbance, or any form of encroachment.

For the upcoming general election for all parties, a to­tal of 61 political parties have been granted registration to participate. Among them, nine parties will organize nation­wide, while 52 parties will organize within the respective regions and states. The electoral system to be used in the upcoming elec­tion will include not only the previously used First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system but also a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system, which combines FPTP with Proportional Representation (PR). The election will not be conducted all at once; instead, it will be held in separate phases.

Attempts to disrupt and sabotage the election are efforts to prevent Myanmar’s political progress from moving forward. Therefore, to ensure the swift restoration of a democratic nation, everyone must collectively oppose and resist any disruption, de­struction, or obstruction aimed at the upcoming general election for all parties.