Matters India Reporter
Yangon, June 29, 2020 — In the wake of Myanmar’s Union Election Commission (UEC) announcement to hold the 2020 general election in November, the country’s Bishops’ Conference appealed to militant outfits to dialogue and peace talks.
“The coming elections are a great opportunity to invest in democracy,” Myanmar’s first cardinal reminded all.
In a Statement issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, on 29 June, bishops made an ‘earnest appeal to cease aII hostilities, unite in fight against COVID, and invest in peace.”
Complimenting the heroic sacrifices of health workers, the bishops said, “We commend the selfless dedication of our health professionals in fighting the COVID pandemic.
The 16 bishops who signed the statement placed on record efforts made by various agencies to contain the pandemic saying, “Despite the deadly challenge of the virus, timely interventions by the authorities and the medical professional have contained the pandemic so far.”
President of the Bishops’ Conference cardinal Charles Bo, reiterated the appeals of “the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Pope Francis for cessation of all hostilities during this global pandemic. Peace is the antidote.”
The 72 yer old Salesian cardinal lamented, “Seventy-two years after Independence, this land has known no peace. The ethnic armed groups may have ascendancy occasionally but they are not winning any wars and therefore we urge the ethnic armed groups to return to negotiating tables.”
Myanmar’s first cardinal appealed saying, “we urge the Government and Myanmar Armed Forces (Tamadaw) rather than trying to prevail militarily, but to find political strategy to address the grievances and give the communities renewed hope that electoral democracy can help them achieve their aspiration through peaceful means.”
Raising the voice of social conscience the president of Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference said, “People living in IDPs (Internally Displaced People) camps are most vulnerable and their rights should be respected. In this regard any kind of land grabbing should not be extended in IDPs’ land and ensure and restore their property rights in their places of origin.”
The present conflict in Rakhine has thrown out nearly thousands of innocent people and displaced families are at the risk of starvation. Rainy season and COVID add to risks. Humanitarian access has proved to be a great challenge in Rakhine areas.
Reminding the duties of Myanmar Government and Tatmadaw, the cardinal earnestly requested “to take into serious consideration their responsibilities for the Rights of all the citizens of Myanmar by observing International Humanitarian Law to ensure access to all IDPs.”
Inviting parties to peace talks the cardinal reminded all, “Myanmar has seen six decades of war – with no winners. Death and displacement of the innocent people continues. War shows no de-escalation. Thousands of our innocent people suffer. Generations of youth are lost to frustration. War has become an incurable disease of the nation. This has to stop.”
The UEC records show that of the 97 political parties registered in the country, 79 will contest seats nationwide, and 18 will focus on only one region or state.
More than 37 million people will be eligible to vote at the country’s 800 polling booths for military personnel and their families, and 41,000 polling stations.
The 2015 elections were the first free elections in the country after more than half a century of military rule. E