Meeting with Tatmadaw Personnel: Deputy C-in-CDS met with Tatmadaw personnel

The Vice Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army), Vice-Senior General Soe Win, accompanied by senior Tatmadaw officials from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), deputy ministers, and responsible officials, arrived in Myitkyina, Kachin State, in the morning on December 16.

At the airport, he was warmly welcomed by the Chief Minister of Kachin State, U Khet Htein Nan, relevant officials, and ethnic traditional cultural troupes performing traditional dances. Subsequently, the Vice Chairman of the Commission, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army), together with members of the delegation, proceeded to the Bala Min Htin Hall at the North Command Headquarters, where they met officers, ranks, and family members from the Myitkyina Military Station and delivered an address.

In his speech, Vice Senior General Soe Win stated that the general election would be held in three phases. The first phase would be conducted on December 28 in 102 townships; the second phase on January 11, 2026, in 100 townships; and the third phase on January 25 in 72 townships. He said that the Tatmadaw would lead the organization of a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, and that for the successful conduct of the election, all eligible voters must be able to cast their ballots, with responsible officials in all sectors making concerted efforts in their respective roles.

He added that efforts were also being made, as far as possible, to hold by-elections in the remaining 56 townships where elections have yet to be conducted. He emphasized that measures must be taken to prevent electoral fraud such as those that occurred during the 2020 election.

He noted that due to inaccuracies in voter lists during that election, the Tatmadaw had assumed state responsibilities on a temporary basis. For the upcoming election, which will be led by the Tatmadaw, Myanmar Electronic Voting Machines (MEVMs), a digital voting system that prevents electoral fraud, will be used.

He further stated that regional stability and peace are essential to ensure that the public can vote with peace of mind. Therefore, security operations must be carried out in close cooperation among the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force, local People’s Militia units, public security and counter-terrorism groups, volunteers, community elders, and local residents.

He stressed that eligible voters, as citizens living in a multi-party democratic system, have an individual responsibility to cast their votes. He also urged young people, who will one day bear state responsibilities in accordance with democratic principles, to participate in the upcoming free and fair multi-party democratic general election by exercising their voting rights.

He also reminded Tatmadaw personnel that, as defenders of the nation, they must not neglect their primary duties, and that they must faithfully and conscientiously carry out the lawful orders and responsibilities entrusted to them. Following the speech, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services coordinated with responsible officials to address and respond to the presentations made by attending officers, ranks, and their family members. He then presented food supplies and honoraria for officers, ranks, and their families, which were received by the regional commander and his spouse, along with responsible officials.

After the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army), and members of the delegation personally and cordially greeted the officers, ranks, and family members who attended the meeting, it’s learnt.