Myanmar is set to conduct its general elections on 28 December, as declared by its military government. This election, the first since the 2021 coup, has been widely criticised as a manoeuvre by the junta to entrench its power. The coup led to the ousting of democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country into chaos.

 

Since the coup, Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war, marked by intense clashes between the military and ethnic armed groups. Many of these groups have announced they will not permit voting in their controlled regions, complicating the election logistics.

 

Previous plans to hold elections were delayed due to the military's ongoing struggle against a growing opposition insurgency, which has gained control over significant parts of the nation. Despite these challenges, approximately 55 parties have registered for the upcoming polls, with nine intending to compete for seats on a national level.

 

The election commission stated, “The first phase of the multi-party democratic general election for each parliament will begin on Sunday, 28 December 2025, with subsequent phases to be announced later.” This phased approach underscores the difficulty in organizing elections across a country divided by conflict.

 

Organising this election is a monumental logistical challenge, as large areas of Myanmar remain under opposition control and in turmoil. Nonetheless, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing insists the elections must proceed, threatening severe punishment for anyone who criticises or disrupts the process.

 

Historic political forces such as the National League for Democracy, led by the imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi, have been banned from participating. Critics argue that the junta aims to maintain its grip on power through proxy parties that support its rule.

 

Although the planned elections have been rejected as illegitimate by many, they have received backing from China, Myanmar's powerful neighbour. China views stability in Myanmar as a vital strategic interest, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

 

UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews has labelled the elections a "mirage," urging the international community to reject them as fraudulent. He emphasised that the junta's attempt to gain legitimacy through these elections should not be recognised.

 

Since the coup, thousands have died, and Myanmar’s economy has deteriorated, leading to severe humanitarian issues. Recent challenges include a devastating earthquake in March and international funding cuts, which have worsened the plight of vulnerable populations struggling to survive.

 

Human Rights Watch described the upcoming election as lacking credibility, insisting that all violence must end, detainees should be released, and genuine political participation should be allowed. Without these steps, any election process is seen as a mere façade.

 

As Myanmar faces these internal and external pressures, the planned elections remain under intense global scrutiny. The international community continues to watch closely, questioning whether this election will lead to any legitimate change or simply reinforce the military’s dominance.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The BBC 2025-08-18

 

 

 

 

Is this the similar joke as it is in in Thailand?

This election is a joke.  From what I read in the past certain parts of the country will not be included in the vote because of safety concerns.  Also, the current military leaders will decide which parties are eligible to run.

Free and fair elections, no doubt….

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Is this the similar joke as it is in in Thailand?

No, unfortunately not, much much worse 😞 

 

Wait, until the West has found out, that Myanmar has rare earth and then the race is on again ......... 

6 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Is this the similar joke as it is in in Thailand?

Yes, except they ban all they are afraid of before, not after the election.

7 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Is this the similar joke as it is in in Thailand?

It is nothing like Thailand. In Myanmar they are killing their own peoples opposed to the junta using military bombing raids and equipment supplied by Russia.

 

Global nations and organizations are unlikely to be fully deceived. The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, and others have condemned the election as a sham, citing the lack of free media, imprisonment of opposition leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi, and the junta's control over only 21% of Myanmar's territory amid ongoing civil war. Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and the International Trade Union Confederation have labeled it a "fraud" designed to perpetuate military rule, urging non-recognition.

 

Despite this, the junta may sadly for its peoples still gain limited diplomatic traction with allies like China, Russia.

9 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Historic political forces such as the National League for Democracy, led by the imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi, have been banned from participating.

If the military government is serious about the election, release Ms Aung San Suu Kyi and lift the political ban. The civil war will continue if democracy is not returned to the people.  

30 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

It is nothing like Thailand. In Myanmar they are killing their own peoples opposed to the junta using military bombing raids and equipment supplied by Russia.

 

Global nations and organizations are unlikely to be fully deceived. The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, and others have condemned the election as a sham, citing the lack of free media, imprisonment of opposition leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi, and the junta's control over only 21% of Myanmar's territory amid ongoing civil war. Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and the International Trade Union Confederation have labeled it a "fraud" designed to perpetuate military rule, urging non-recognition.

 

Despite this, the junta may sadly for its peoples still gain limited diplomatic traction with allies like China, Russia.

I referred to election, not to Myanmar's cruelties.

And I think that is the thread about. Elections.

39 minutes ago, jchfriis said:

Yes, except they ban all they are afraid of before, not after the election.

Sure, that's necessary.

15 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Sure, that's necessary.

Not another Ruskie? Are you fer real?

1 minute ago, Digitalbanana said:

Not another Ruskie? Are you fer real?

???😳😳😳