Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has announced that Myanmar will hold a general election within ten months, likely December 2025 or January 2026. This is set against a backdrop of civil unrest and armed resistance following the military coup in February 2021. Critics argue the election will not be free or fair, with many opposition leaders imprisoned and the military controlling less than half of the country.
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, announced that a general election will be held within ten months, likely in December 2025 or January 2026. This announcement was made during a press conference in Belarus, where he noted that 53 political parties have already submitted their participation lists. However, he did not specify the exact dates for the election.
This declaration occurs amidst a civil war in Myanmar, as pro-democracy groups and ethnic militias oppose the ruling military government, which seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration in February 2021. The coup sparked significant public dissent and armed resistance throughout the country, leading to a volatile security situation.
Critics view the planned election skeptically, believing it seeks to legitimize the military’s authority rather than provide a genuine democratic process. The media environment lacks freedom, and many leaders from the National League for Democracy, which Suu Kyi leads, are imprisoned. Currently, Suu Kyi is serving a total of 27 years in prison following controversial convictions aligned with military interests.
The military’s challenge in organizing the election is pronounced, with reports suggesting they control less than half of the country. Previous efforts, such as an attempted voter census, were hampered in areas dominated by ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy factions. Furthermore, the National Unity Government, the primary opposition body, announced its intention to halt the military’s election attempts through peaceful measures.
The announcement of a general election in Myanmar by military leader Min Aung Hlaing comes amid ongoing civil conflict and significant political opposition. Critics question the integrity of the expected election, highlighting the restricted media environment and imprisonment of key political figures. The military’s ability to hold elections remains in jeopardy due to security challenges and limited territorial control. The opposition’s commitment to prevent the military’s electoral plans underscores the prevailing tension in the country.
Original Source: apnews.com
