September 16, 2025 – Myanmar’s regime Union Election Commission (UEC) has confirmed that former Rakhine lawmaker Aye Maung has been granted permission to contest in the December 28 general elections. The announcement comes just days after junta leader Min Aung Hlaing pardoned him for convictions on criminal incitement and treason.
Background of Convictions and Pardon
Aye Maung, a prominent Rakhine politician and former parliamentarian, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on March 19, 2019, following a treason conviction related to a speech he delivered in Rathedaung Township in January 2018. He was arrested in 2018 and convicted under Myanmar’s Penal Code for treason and incitement.
On September 11, 2025, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing granted him a full pardon, formally clearing his conviction. The move has opened the way for his return to electoral politics under the junta-backed system.
Return to Political Arena
Aye Maung was first released from prison during a regime amnesty on February 12, 2021, following the military coup. Since then, observers say he has maintained close ties with the junta leadership.
“Aye Maung has been in the regime’s camp since his release from prison [after the coup],” said Nay Kyaw Soe, chairperson of the All Arakan Students’ and Youths’ Congress (AASYC), speaking to DVB.
Local analysts suggest his re-entry into politics reflects the junta’s strategy to align with influential Rakhine figures while seeking to legitimize its planned elections.
Election Restrictions in Arakan
The UEC also announced on September 14 that no elections will be held in 11 townships of Arakan State, including Ramree, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, and Mrauk-U, citing ongoing conflict and instability.
Despite this, Aye Maung’s party, the Arakan Front Party (AFP), is expected to contest in 17 townships. Fourteen of these areas are currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), while the junta maintains authority in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung.
Political Implications
Analysts note that Aye Maung’s participation will likely influence political dynamics in Rakhine State, where tensions remain high amid armed conflict and deep mistrust between the junta, the Arakan Army, and local communities. His return also underscores the regime’s effort to stage-manage elections in areas it partially controls while excluding conflict zones where meaningful participation is impossible.
