Scam-Linked Karen Militia to Back Myanmar Junta’s Polls

Myanmar’s military-aligned Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), led by controversial warlord Saw Chit Thu, has pledged support for the junta’s upcoming national elections, scheduled to begin on 28 December. The group, notorious for operating large-scale online scam centres in Myawaddy Township, claims its involvement will help ensure peace, security, and fair participation.

In a statement dated 3 September, the BGF said it would “specially assist” in safeguarding suffrage and supporting political parties “fairly and indiscriminately.” Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Naing Maung Zaw cited the group’s commitment to “regional stability and peace” as the basis for its cooperation.

The junta’s Election Commission plans to hold voting in 102 townships, including three in Karen State: Hpa-an, Than Taung Gyi, and Myawaddy. While the first two are considered relatively secure due to a strong military presence, Myawaddy remains deeply contested. Large areas are under the control of resistance forces, including the Karen National Union (KNU) and People’s Defense Forces (PDF), while others are dominated by junta-aligned militias such as the BGF and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA).

Local sources told The Irrawaddy that without BGF support, conducting elections in Myawaddy would be “nearly impossible.” Security concerns are so acute that even a mock voting exercise in August had to be held secretly inside a school.

The regime is currently mounting a major military operation to retake strategic areas, including the Asian Highway and a command post in Thingannyinaung, deploying troops, tanks, and warplanes. Success is seen as critical to enabling polling in Myawaddy.

Meanwhile, the KNU has called on Karen civilians and organisations to reject the elections as a national duty. On 30 August, the KNU and KNDO issued a joint warning that anyone cooperating with the vote in Brigade 6 territory would face legal consequences under Kawthoolei Law.

The junta’s reliance on a militia linked to criminal enterprises to secure polling zones raises serious questions about the legitimacy and integrity of the electoral process.

-2025-09-07