Myanmar's Military Junta to Initiate Controversial General Elections Amid Ongoing Civil War

Myanmar's military government has announced plans for a general election on December 28, the first since the 2021 coup. However, the call for elections is surrounded by skepticism and concerns over legitimacy, as the country grapples with civil conflict and opposition control in many regions.

Myanmar, still embroiled in chaos following the military coup in February 2021, will hold its first general elections on December 28, 2025, as declared by the ruling junta. Despite claims from junta leader Min Aung Hlaing of a "free and fair" process, the prospect has been met with significant skepticism both domestically and internationally, primarily viewed as a strategy to reinforce military authority.

The elections, initially scheduled for earlier dates, have faced continual delays attributed to the junta's ongoing struggle against a burgeoning insurgency that has taken hold in various regions of the country. Many ethnic armed groups have declared opposition to the elections, asserting they will not participate in the voting process.

Approximately 55 political parties have formally registered for the polls, as reported by state media, with only nine aiming for nationwide representation. The election commission's announcement reveals that the voting will occur in phases, with further dates yet to be established.

This election comes at a time of extreme turmoil in Myanmar, characterized by widespread violence resulting in thousands of deaths and a deteriorating humanitarian situation exacerbated by economic collapse and a recent catastrophic earthquake. The National League for Democracy (NLD), the party led by the ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, will not be allowed to compete, further delegitimizing the process in the eyes of many critics.

International voices—including United Nations officials—have decried the elections as a "mirage" of democracy, calling for global rejection of the initiative to prevent the junta from gaining a facade of legitimacy. Echoing these concerns, Human Rights Watch has labeled the junta's approach as delusional, arguing that credible elections cannot occur amidst ongoing violence, arbitrary detentions, and the systematic dissolution of opposition parties.

While the junta may view stability as paramount, particularly in light of backing from China, skepticism over the election's legitimacy continues to grow as millions of citizens struggle with the harsh realities of their lived experiences amidst conflict. The global community remains vigilant, urging the restoration of genuine democratic processes rather than the performance of a staged electoral exercise.