Myanmar’s junta chief announced plans for elections by January 2026, asserting they will be free and fair. However, ongoing violence and repression raise doubts about the legitimacy of these elections, which have faced repeated delays since the 2021 coup. Critics, including the U.S., label the planned elections as attempts by the military to legitimize its rule amidst widespread unrest.
Myanmar’s junta chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, announced plans to hold national elections in December 2025 or January 2026, marking the first elections since the military coup in 2021. He stated that the elections would be ‘free and fair’ and noted that 53 political parties have shown interest in participating, as reported by the state-run newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar.
During a visit to Belarus, General Hlaing emphasized the invitation for Belarusian observation teams to monitor the upcoming elections. The junta seized control in 2021, alleging massive fraud in the 2020 elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). Critics argue that the military’s crackdowns and ongoing violence raise doubts about the fairness of any future polls.
Previously, in 2022, the military-dominated election commission dissolved the NLD for failing to comply with new electoral laws. In December, the junta’s foreign minister stated that preparations for elections in 2025 were advancing. However, the state of emergency was extended in January, complicating any potential election timeline and prompting Southeast Asian officials to recommend prioritizing peace over elections.
The U.S. government criticized any elections conducted by the junta as a potential ‘sham,’ with analysts predicting they may ignite further violence. A February joint statement from electoral experts also rejected the junta’s plans for upcoming elections. Since the coup, the conflict has resulted in over 6,300 civilian deaths, with 28,000 arrests, displacing more than 3.5 million people as humanitarian needs rise significantly across Myanmar.
The announcement of elections in Myanmar by the junta chief raises significant concerns regarding their authenticity and safety, given the backdrop of continuing violence and repression. The military administration faces strong opposition, and critics remain skeptical about the fairness of the proposed electoral process. Humanitarian crises intensify amidst calls for peace over political maneuvers, emphasizing the complex and precarious situation facing the nation.
Original Source: www.guampdn.com
