Myanmar will conduct its first general elections since the military coup in 2021, with the vote slated for December 28, 2025. This electoral process has been met with skepticism, deemed a means for the ruling junta to solidify its power amidst ongoing civil war and conflict within the country. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy is barred from participating, leading to criticism of the elections as a facade. The elections come at a time when numerous parts of Myanmar remain under the control of opposition forces, casting doubt on the logistics and credibility of the polling process.
Myanmar Prepares for Controversial General Elections Amid Civil War
Myanmar Prepares for Controversial General Elections Amid Civil War
Myanmar's military government announces a phased vote set for December 28, signaling a controversial electoral process despite widespread opposition.
The military-run government of Myanmar has announced a multi-phase election to be conducted on December 28, 2025, amid a backdrop of continuing civil unrest and international condemnation. With the nation deeply divided after the coup that ousted democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, this upcoming vote is being viewed as an attempt by the junta to legitimize its rule, despite widespread belief that the election is designed to be a mere exercise in formality.
The military regime, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, aims to proceed with the elections despite fierce opposition from armed ethnic groups that have vowed to prevent voting in their territories. The military junta has already faced substantial challenges in tamping down an insurgency that has taken control of various regions across the country since the 2021 coup. Critics, including Tom Andrews, the UN’s special rapporteur, have described the election initiative as a "mirage" designed to provide a facade of legitimacy for the junta.
The election commission claims that around 55 political parties are registering to participate, although many prominent opposition parties, including Suu Kyi's, have been forbidden from contesting. The junta faces the daunting task of organizing an election amid ongoing violence and significant humanitarian crises, exacerbated by natural disasters and economic collapse.
As Myanmar grapples with the repercussions of the coup, which has seen tens of thousands killed, the prospect of free and fair elections under current conditions appears bleak. Human Rights Watch has characterized the junta’s attempt to proceed with elections as "delusional," demanding an end to violence, the release of political prisoners, and unfettered participation of all political entities before the elections can be considered credible. The international community's response will be critical in determining the legitimacy of this impending electoral process.
The military regime, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, aims to proceed with the elections despite fierce opposition from armed ethnic groups that have vowed to prevent voting in their territories. The military junta has already faced substantial challenges in tamping down an insurgency that has taken control of various regions across the country since the 2021 coup. Critics, including Tom Andrews, the UN’s special rapporteur, have described the election initiative as a "mirage" designed to provide a facade of legitimacy for the junta.
The election commission claims that around 55 political parties are registering to participate, although many prominent opposition parties, including Suu Kyi's, have been forbidden from contesting. The junta faces the daunting task of organizing an election amid ongoing violence and significant humanitarian crises, exacerbated by natural disasters and economic collapse.
As Myanmar grapples with the repercussions of the coup, which has seen tens of thousands killed, the prospect of free and fair elections under current conditions appears bleak. Human Rights Watch has characterized the junta’s attempt to proceed with elections as "delusional," demanding an end to violence, the release of political prisoners, and unfettered participation of all political entities before the elections can be considered credible. The international community's response will be critical in determining the legitimacy of this impending electoral process.
