Myanmar Junta Chief Announces Election: Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has announced that the country will hold a general election in December 2025 or January 2026. This marks the first time the junta has provided a specific timeline for the much-delayed polls, which have faced skepticism from both domestic and international critics.
Myanmar Junta Chief Confirms Election Timeline
The announcement was made during Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Belarus and was reported by Myanmar’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. Since the military took control in early 2021, Myanmar has faced ongoing turmoil, with widespread opposition turning into an armed resistance movement against the junta.
“We plan to hold a free and fair election soon,” Min Aung Hlaing stated, emphasizing the government’s intent to proceed with the electoral process. According to him, 53 political parties have already submitted their participation lists.
Myanmar’s Turmoil Since the 2021 Coup
Myanmar’s political instability began in February 2021 when the military ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. This move triggered nationwide protests, which escalated into an armed rebellion as opposition groups took up arms against the junta.
The military administration has faced severe setbacks, losing control over significant territories as resistance forces, including ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy militias, continue to push back. The government has extended a state of emergency multiple times, delaying the promised election.
Criticism of the Myanmar Junta’s Election Plans
Despite the junta’s claims of a free and fair election, critics argue that the planned vote lacks legitimacy. Many political parties have been banned, while the opposition claims the election is a ploy to maintain military rule through proxies.
Opposition groups and international analysts doubt the fairness of the upcoming elections, given the military’s repression of dissent, imprisonment of political opponents, and the ongoing civil war. The junta has also struggled to conduct a nationwide census, which is a crucial step in organizing the elections.
Challenges in Conducting Myanmar’s Elections
A major obstacle to holding elections is the lack of security and control across the country. According to a census report published in December 2024, the military was only able to conduct a full, on-the-ground census in 145 out of 330 townships. This incomplete voter registration process raises concerns about the credibility of the elections.
Additionally, Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has displaced over 3.5 million people, further complicating the voting process. Many citizens have fled their homes due to violence, making it difficult to ensure their participation in the elections.
Potential for Increased Violence in Myanmar
As Myanmar heads toward the proposed election timeline, there is growing fear of heightened violence. The junta and opposition forces are expected to intensify their efforts to control more territory, which could lead to escalated conflicts.
Various resistance groups have vowed to disrupt the election, viewing it as an extension of military rule rather than a legitimate democratic process. With the economy in crisis and social instability on the rise, the situation remains highly volatile.
Myanmar Military’s International Ties Amid Crisis
Min Aung Hlaing’s announcement came while he was in Belarus, where he strengthened ties with another authoritarian government. The Myanmar military has maintained close relationships with countries like Russia and China, receiving arms and diplomatic support despite widespread condemnation from Western nations.
Recent reports indicate that Min Aung Hlaing is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This highlights Myanmar’s reliance on Russia for military supplies and geopolitical backing.
What Lies Ahead for Myanmar?
The upcoming election, if held, will be a crucial test for Myanmar’s military government. However, with the ongoing civil war, lack of legitimacy, and resistance from opposition forces, it remains uncertain whether the vote will proceed as planned.
Many observers warn that rather than bringing stability, the election could further deepen Myanmar’s crisis. The junta’s inability to secure the country, combined with mass displacements and economic downturns, raises serious doubts about the future of democracy in Myanmar.
