The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) has refused to comply with the military regime’s request to register with the Union Election Committee (UEC) for the upcoming general election.

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During a two-day meeting of the central committee, “all members agreed that the SNLD is not in a position to register with the UEC within two months,” said Sai Lek, the party’s general secretary.

He pointed out that the military regime has not given specific details about the dates for the upcoming race, so the party, also called Tiger Head, will not meet the requirement at this time.

“In my opinion, instructing political parties to register with the UEC before the announcement of election dates is not the right way to go. This situation needs to be resolved. We will consider what to do later,” he told SHAN.

Nevertheless, the powerful SNLD said it would continue to engage in politics.

Initially, the government suggested an election could happen in August but has since said it is unlikely to happen until after the country’s census is completed in the fall.

Twenty-one political parties have already registered with the UEC. Five of them will contest in the constituencies at the national level, while the others will field candidates for the states and regions.

In February, 2021, the military overthrew the democratically elected National League for Democracy during a coup.