Myanmar Army Chief votes in national election

Myanmar Army Chief votes in national election
Myanmar's military Commander-in-Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing casts his ballot at a polling station in Naypyidaw on November 8, 2020. Photo: Thet Aung / AFP

Myanmar army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing told Naypyidaw journalists on Sunday that he voted for the party in favour that stood for its own religion, the three main national causes, and was able to collaborate with the military.

Unlike previous 2015 elections, many military top brass starting from Brigadier-Generals to the commander-in-chief personally cast their own ballots in Zayarthiri Township where the military's polling station is situated in Naypyidaw.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing cited the reason for him voting in-person was so he could vote alongside his comrades, referring to his juniors.

His wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla voted at the same polling station as well.

"Will accept the election results that reflect the people's desire," said Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

On November 3, just five days ahead of the nationwide polls, Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing gave an exclusive interview to a local news outlet Popular Journal in which he expressed his dismay over what he alleged was the poor performance of the Union Election Commission (UEC) as it had over four years to prepare well for the elections and there was a question about the legitimacy of the election’s outcome.

"In an interview on the 2015 election day, I was asked what would you do? I told them when the commission announced official results I will accept it. But now, a little bit, we have to pay more attention to the situation. I wish such a situation would not happen,” said Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Many people criticized his "warning" to the UEC which was established by the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, claiming he was interfering politics. When asked he insisted that his act was valid since "the military is the guardian of the constitution."

Military chief Min Aung Hlaing urged the voters to practice social distancing guidelines suggested by national health authorities in order to avoid COVID-19 virus infection.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 60,000 confirmed cases and 1,396 deaths, Myanmar is holding elections today. Myanmar kicked off the nationwide poll with about 37 registered eligible voters across the country having the opportunity to choose their next government.