Mizzima | Myanmar’s CRPH Marks the 4th Anniversary of the 2020 General Election

Myanmar’s Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) issued a statement on 8 November, marking the 4th anniversary of the 2020 multi-party democratic general election in Myanmar.
The resulting victory of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy was overthrown by the 1 February 2021 military coup.

Link to the Source HERE. 

The CRPH statement is as follows:

  1. Today marks the fourth anniversary of Myanmar’s multi-party democratic general election of 2020, a historic event in which the people of Myanmar, united in their aspirations for democracy, boldly expressed their true will. The election, the first held under a civilian government, was not only free and fair, but also a clear reflection of the people’s desires for a democratic future. This was evidenced by the widespread protests and continued resistance across the country following the military coup. The courage and determination of the people in opposing the military junta remain a powerful testament to their commitment to democracy.
  2. The military junta’s unlawful seizure of state power through force was an outright act of treason. In addition to usurping power, the junta has committed a range of grave crimes, including war crimes, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual violence, denial of medical care, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods. Its brutal tactics have included indiscriminate airstrikes on villages, schools, places of worship, and refugee camps. A recent atrocity in Sipa Village, Butalin Township, where civilians were decapitated and dismembered, further underscores the inhumane nature of the military’s actions.
  3. Even now, the military junta continues to perpetrate these heinous crimes with impunity. Throughout history, the military has waged violence against those who have fought for democracy, human rights, and equality, including the country’s ethnic minorities and the Rohingya people. We, as the duly elected representatives of the people, remain committed to securing accountability for these crimes, and we will continue to seek increased support and cooperation from the international community to ensure that those responsible for such atrocities face justice. We also call upon the international community to recognize that supporting the military junta, in any form, constitutes tacit endorsement of their crimes and prolongs the ongoing conflict.
  4. In light of these developments, it is clear that the junta’s planned election in 2025 is a sham. The military, which has unlawfully seized power, has no legitimate mandate to conduct elections. The 2020 election, recognized both by the people of Myanmar and the international community, remains the legitimate expression of the will of the people. Any support for the military’s efforts to hold elections would not only undermine democracy but also betray the aspirations of the Myanmar people.
  5. Despite the military’s efforts to obstruct the democratic process, the parliamentarians elected in 2020 continue to carry out their duties through online platforms, utilizing technology to maintain the continuity of governance. Additionally, the National Unity Government (NUG), established through consultation between the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and revolutionary forces, is actively administering public services and providing governance in Myanmar. We, the elected representatives, continue to fulfill our constitutional duties, both online and on the ground.
  6. The International Parliamentary Union (IPU) has rightfully maintained Myanmar’s membership, acknowledging that the majority of parliamentarians from the 2020 election continue to operate in accordance with the people’s mandate. The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, formed by representatives of the Union Parliament, remains the legitimate parliamentary body of Myanmar, as confirmed by the Governing Council of the 142nd IPU Assembly in May 2021.
  7. From the very first day of the coup, we, as parliamentarians, have condemned the illegal seizure of power. We have consistently expressed our political goals of ending military dictatorship and establishing a federal democratic system. In pursuit of these goals, we have worked towards national unity, the abolition of the 2008 Constitution, and the drafting of a new federal democratic charter. At present, we are collaborating with relevant revolutionary forces to strengthen the framework for federal governance and ensure a legal system that reflects the aspirations of all Myanmar’s people.
  8. As the terrorist military junta faces mounting failures on all fronts, the revolutionary forces continue to achieve significant victories. We call upon the international community—including the United Nations, democratic nations, and neighboring countries—to enhance their support and cooperation in accelerating the transition to a democratic Myanmar. This includes fostering trust-building among democratic forces and facilitating the implementation of a robust democratic transition.
  9. We once again extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Myanmar, whose overwhelming support for democracy in the 2020 general election continues to inspire the nation’s struggle. We also recognize the tireless efforts of ethnic organizations, resistance forces, and all citizens working to end military rule and build a new federal democratic union. Additionally, we express our sincere thanks to the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union for their recent sanctions targeting three individuals and four entities supplying weapons to the military junta. We also appreciate the ongoing support from countries, organizations, and individuals around the world who stand with the people of Myanmar in their struggle for democracy.

The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw