Myanmar Military Announces Timeline for Upcoming General Election

Myanmar’s military leader has declared plans for a general election set for December 2025 or January 2026. This announcement arises during ongoing civil conflict and widespread opposition following the military coup in 2021. Critics question the election’s legitimacy due to arrests of democratic leaders and media suppression. The military controls less than half the nation, challenging election feasibility, and the NUG opposes military elections nonviolently.

The military leader of Myanmar has announced plans to hold a general election within the next ten months, as reported by state-run media. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that the election is set for December 2025 or January 2026 at the latest. This declaration was made during a press conference in Belarus, where he mentioned that 53 political parties have submitted their lists to participate in the upcoming election. However, specific dates for the election remain unconfirmed.

This announcement occurs amidst ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar, where pro-democracy fighters and ethnic militias challenge the military’s authority. Following the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021, the country has seen widespread resistance, making it difficult for the military to maintain control. Although the military has frequently cited elections as a priority, the dates have been pushed back multiple times since the coup.

The planned general election is viewed skeptically, with many critics asserting that it will be neither free nor fair due to the lack of free media and the arrest of many leaders from Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party. Aung San Suu Kyi is currently serving a 27-year sentence after being convicted in politically motivated trials. Furthermore, the military’s control is limited, managing only about half of the country, and previously prioritized elections only in areas under its command.

In October, the military conducted a census intended to create voter lists for the forthcoming election, but data was collected from only 145 out of 330 townships. Notably, many incomplete reports came from regions governed by ethnic forces and anti-government guerrillas. The National Unity Government (NUG), the primary opposition group, has vowed to prevent the military-sponsored election through peaceful actions.

In summary, Myanmar’s military has announced plans for a general election by early 2026, amidst significant internal conflict and opposition. Critics doubt the election’s fairness due to the absence of free media and the arrest of key political figures, including Aung San Suu Kyi. With the military controlling a fraction of the nation, the feasibility of conducting elections remains uncertain, as the NUG seeks to challenge the military’s authority nonviolently.

Original Source: apnews.com