Myanmar will conduct its general elections on December 28, 2025, according to an announcement from the military government. This marks the first electoral process since the military coup in 2021, which ousted the democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The country has faced ongoing civil conflict since the coup, with violent clashes occurring between the military and various ethnic armed groups that have indicated they will not allow voting in their territories. The military has struggled to manage this opposition, leading to delays in previous election plans.
State media reported that approximately 55 political parties have registered for the upcoming elections, with nine of those planning to compete for seats nationwide. The election commission confirmed that the first phase of the elections is scheduled for December 28, while subsequent phases will be announced at a later date. Given the unstable conditions in much of Myanmar, successfully conducting these elections poses significant challenges for the military regime.
The junta’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has emphasized that the vote will proceed, threatening penalties for those who criticize or attempt to obstruct the electoral process. Notably, the National League for Democracy, previously led by Suu Kyi and which had significant victories in the two elections before the coup, is barred from participating in the upcoming elections.
International observers have largely criticized the planned elections. Tom Andrews, the United Nations special rapporteur for the rights situation in Myanmar, has described the process as lacking genuine legitimacy and has called for the global community to reject the elections. The junta has been accused of potentially using these elections to solidify its power via proxy parties.
As Myanmar faces a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by economic collapse, violence, and a recent devastating earthquake, concerns continue to grow regarding the implications of the upcoming electoral process and the overall situation in the country.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3pp4n952o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss