Free and fair election can be held only when ethnic armed organisations join peace process, says Myanmar junta leader

FILE PHOTO: Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup on February 1, 2021, presides over an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2021. - Reuters

YANGON, Jan 15 (Eleven Media Group/ANN): State Administration Council Chairman and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that election cannot be convened if there is no peace and free and fair election can be held only when ethnic armed organisations join peace process in accordance with law.

The statement was made after the junta leader's meeting with cabinet members of Taninthayi Region government, departmental officials and town elders at the hall of the regional government office in Dawei on January 14.