The head of Myanmar's military government, General Min Aung Hlaing, announced that national elections are scheduled to take place either in December 2025 or January 2026. The declaration marks the first electoral process since the military junta's coup in 2021, which led to the arrest of democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and sparked allegations of electoral fraud from the previous year. According to Hlaing, 53 political parties have expressed interest in participating in the upcoming election.
Myanmar Military Junta Promises Elections Amid Ongoing Turmoil
Myanmar Military Junta Promises Elections Amid Ongoing Turmoil
Myanmar’s military government announces plans for national elections, claiming they will be "free and fair," yet criticism arises over the legitimacy and safety of the political environment.
However, skepticism surrounds this announcement, as many critics label it a ploy to legitimize the military's grip on power via compliant political entities. Human Rights Watch emphasized that any election under the current conditions would not be perceived as credible and called for an end to violence, the release of detained individuals, and fair participation for all political factions.
Since taking control, the military regime has executed a severe crackdown on dissent, including the execution of democracy activists and the imprisonment of journalists. Despite these efforts, the junta faces persistent resistance from pro-democracy movements and ethnic rebel groups, struggling to maintain authority beyond urban centers.
According to the UN and the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), over the last four years, the military's actions have resulted in at least 6,231 civilian fatalities, including numerous women and children. In recent statements, the UN warned that Myanmar is descending into a state of severe human suffering, raising alarms over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.
Since taking control, the military regime has executed a severe crackdown on dissent, including the execution of democracy activists and the imprisonment of journalists. Despite these efforts, the junta faces persistent resistance from pro-democracy movements and ethnic rebel groups, struggling to maintain authority beyond urban centers.
According to the UN and the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), over the last four years, the military's actions have resulted in at least 6,231 civilian fatalities, including numerous women and children. In recent statements, the UN warned that Myanmar is descending into a state of severe human suffering, raising alarms over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.
