Myanmar Junta Chief Announces Election for Late 2025 Amid Ongoing Conflict

Myanmar Junta Chief Announces Election for Late 2025 Amid Ongoing Conflict

Myanmar’s military government has announced plans to hold a general election in December 2025 or January 2026, marking the first time a specific timeline has been provided since the junta seized power in a 2021 coup.

Election Announcement Amid Political Crisis

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, revealed the election timeline during a visit to Belarus, as reported by state media outlet Global New Light of Myanmar.
The announcement comes amid ongoing armed resistance from opposition groups that have challenged military rule since the coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government.
The junta has extended the state of emergency multiple times, citing instability, while continuing to battle pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups across the country.

Skepticism Over Election Legitimacy

Critics have dismissed the planned election as a sham designed to maintain military control through pro-junta political proxies.
Dozens of opposition parties have been banned, and the military no longer holds full control over large parts of Myanmar, raising doubts about whether a nationwide election can be conducted.
The junta claims 53 political parties have registered to participate, but it remains unclear how many will be allowed to contest freely.

Challenges in Election Preparations

A nationwide census, essential for voter registration, has only been completed in 145 out of 330 townships, raising logistical concerns.
Ongoing conflict and military offensives have displaced over 3.5 million people, further complicating election logistics and raising fears of escalating violence in the lead-up to the vote.