Myanmar’s military junta plans to hold elections by January 2026, facing opposition claims of illegitimacy due to the imprisonment of popular leaders and the ban of their parties. The military controls only half the country, and criticism persists from pro-democracy groups and ethnic insurgents. China supports the elections amid concerns over their authenticity and stability in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has announced plans to conduct parliamentary elections by January 2026, although no specific date has been set. This announcement follows the military’s takeover in February 2021, amidst widespread opposition to their governance. Critics argue that holding elections while political leaders are imprisoned and their parties banned would render the vote illegitimate.
Currently, the military junta controls only about half of Myanmar, facing resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic insurgents. According to the military-controlled media, Hlaing indicated, “The election is slated for December 2025, with the possibility of … January 2026.”
Opposition forces, including the National Unity Government, have condemned the junta’s electoral plans as mere pretense to legitimize their regime. The ethnic insurgent groups contest the election, highlighting concerns over the military’s undemocratic hold. Notably, Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s most influential political figure, has been imprisoned since the military coup, and her party has been disbanded.
China, eager to stabilize Myanmar due to its investments, has expressed support for the elections and offered assistance in their organization, alongside support from some Southeast Asian neighbors. Hlaing has stated that 53 political parties have submitted applications to participate in the upcoming elections and invited observation teams from Belarus to monitor the electoral process.
In a staggered voting approach, elections are expected to take place in fewer than half of the 330 townships across Myanmar, a significant reduction from the previous election where voting occurred in 315 townships. Hlaing’s regime has faced accusations of corruption and misconduct, especially following their coup after a landslide victory by Suu Kyi’s party in 2020. The military’s claims of election fraud have been met with skepticism, as officials previously stated that no evidence existed to suggest widespread cheating.
The forthcoming parliamentary elections in Myanmar, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, have sparked significant concerns regarding their legitimacy due to the political landscape dominated by the military. With opposition leaders imprisoned and parties banned, critics anticipate that the elections will not reflect the will of the people. Support from neighboring countries and a staggered voting approach suggests a complex electoral process wherein the military seeks to consolidate its power amidst ongoing resistance from pro-democracy factions and ethnic insurgents.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
