What's happened
Myanmar's military junta began phased elections on December 28, 2025, amid ongoing civil war and widespread opposition. The polls exclude major opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi's dissolved National League for Democracy, and are held only in military-controlled areas. Critics and international observers denounce the elections as neither free nor fair, citing repression, arrests, and violence.
What's behind the headline?
Military Control Under Electoral Facade
The December 2025 elections in Myanmar are a strategic move by the military junta to legitimize its rule amid a brutal civil war and international condemnation. Despite being framed as a return to multi-party democracy, the elections exclude key opposition forces, notably the National League for Democracy (NLD), dissolved and barred from participation. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is poised to dominate, effectively ensuring continued military influence under a civilian veneer.
Repression and Conflict Undermine Credibility
The electoral process is marred by widespread violence, repression, and legal restrictions. The military has enacted an Election Protection Law imposing harsh penalties, including death sentences, for dissent or disruption. Over 229 individuals have been charged under this law, including activists, artists, and ordinary citizens. The ongoing civil war has displaced millions and killed tens of thousands, with many areas unable to hold voting due to conflict.
International and Regional Dynamics
While the United Nations and Western nations have condemned the elections as sham and illegitimate, China supports the process, viewing Myanmar as a strategic link to the Indian Ocean. ASEAN countries remain cautious, with some expressing reluctance to re-engage without inclusive dialogue. The military's attempt to gain international legitimacy through elections is unlikely to succeed broadly given the ongoing conflict and lack of genuine political competition.
Forecast and Impact
The elections will not resolve Myanmar's deep political crisis or civil war. Instead, they will likely entrench military dominance and prolong instability. The junta's control over the electoral process and suppression of opposition voices mean the polls serve more as a political tool than a genuine democratic exercise. The humanitarian crisis will persist, and international isolation may continue, limiting prospects for peace and reconstruction in the near term.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Sui-Lee Wee highlights the military's long-standing dominance and the public's frustration, noting that "the generals have severely mismanaged the country since then." Al Jazeera's reporting underscores the election's limited scope, with voting only in 102 of 330 townships amid ongoing conflict, and quotes observers describing the polls as "not free, fair or credible." The Independent provides detailed context on the election law's harsh penalties and the military's strategy to maintain control through the Union Solidarity and Development Party, warning that "these elections are not credible at all." Reuters echoes this, noting the military's use of the election to "cement its control over the country" despite ongoing civil war and international skepticism. The United Nations' human rights chief Volker Turk condemns the environment of violence and repression, stating, "There are no conditions for the exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly that allow for the free and meaningful participation of the people." Meanwhile, China’s backing, as reported by the New York Times, reflects geopolitical interests, with Beijing calling for "national governance based on the will of the people" but supporting the junta's efforts to stabilize Myanmar. These contrasting perspectives reveal a complex interplay of domestic repression, armed conflict, and international geopolitical maneuvering shaping Myanmar's fraught electoral process.
How we got here
Myanmar's military seized power in a 2021 coup, overthrowing the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi after her party's 2020 election landslide. Since then, a civil war has erupted involving ethnic armed groups and opposition militias. The military has maintained control through repression, dissolving opposition parties and enacting strict election laws to suppress dissent ahead of the 2025 elections.
Go deeper
- Why are major opposition parties barred from Myanmar's election?
- How is the ongoing civil war affecting the election process?
- What is the international community's response to Myanmar's elections?
Common question
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What Does Myanmar’s Release of Political Prisoners Mean for Its Upcoming Elections?
Myanmar's recent release of over 3,000 prisoners, including some political detainees, has sparked questions about the country's political future. While the move aims to facilitate participation in December's elections, many wonder what it really signifies amid ongoing unrest and repression. Below, we explore the implications of this amnesty and what it means for Myanmar's democracy and stability.
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What’s the significance of Myanmar’s political prisoner releases ahead of elections?
Myanmar's recent release of over 3,000 political prisoners ahead of the upcoming December elections has sparked widespread discussion. While some see it as a positive step towards democracy, others question its true intent and impact. In this article, we explore what these releases mean for Myanmar’s political future, the state of its democracy, and what still lies ahead for the country’s protesters and critics.
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Why Did Myanmar Detain an Election Candidate?
Myanmar's recent detention of election candidate Wai Lin Htet has raised many questions about the country's political climate. With ongoing resistance and unrest, many wonder what this means for the upcoming elections and the country's future. Below, we explore the reasons behind the detention, the state of resistance, and what the international community is saying about Myanmar's legitimacy. If you're curious about the current situation, these FAQs will help clarify the key issues.
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What’s Happening Globally Today? Key Stories Overview
Stay informed with the latest major news stories from around the world. From ongoing conflicts and political unrest to natural disasters and historic restorations, these headlines highlight the most pressing issues today. Curious about how these events connect or where to find updates? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your top questions about today’s news.
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What’s the latest on Myanmar’s election tensions and military actions?
Myanmar is currently experiencing intense political unrest as the military continues to crack down on opposition figures and resistance groups. With recent detentions, prisoner amnesties, and ongoing clashes, many are wondering what’s really happening on the ground. In this page, we’ll explore the latest developments, including why key figures are being detained, how resistance is shaping the situation, and what international reactions are emerging. Keep reading to get clear answers to your most pressing questions about Myanmar’s turbulent election landscape.
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What’s Really Happening in Myanmar’s December Elections?
Myanmar’s upcoming December 28 elections are shrouded in controversy, violence, and uncertainty. With ongoing clashes, political repression, and questions about the legitimacy of the vote, many are wondering what this means for Myanmar’s future. Below, we answer the most common questions about the current situation, the risks involved, and what might come next.
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What Are Liberian Activists Protesting Against?
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What Are the Legal and Civil Rights Issues in Liberia's Protest Crisis?
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Why Are Myanmar's Elections Contested and What Do They Mean?
Myanmar's recent elections have sparked international debate and concern. Held only in military-controlled areas and excluding major opposition parties, these elections are seen by many as a move by the military junta to legitimize its rule amid ongoing civil conflict. Understanding why these elections are so controversial, who is excluded, and what the global response is can help clarify the current situation in Myanmar. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about these contested elections.
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What’s Happening with Myanmar’s Elections and Why Are They Considered Unfair?
Myanmar's recent elections have sparked international concern due to ongoing civil conflict and questions about their legitimacy. The military-led polls exclude major opposition parties and are conducted amid violence and repression. Many wonder why these elections are viewed as unfair and what they mean for Myanmar’s future. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding Myanmar’s election process and the broader political situation.
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Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician, diplomat, author, and a 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The first and incumbent State Counsellor of Myanmar, she is also the leader of the National League for Democracy and played a vital role in the state's tran
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Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and also referred to as Burma (the official English name until 1989), is a country in northwest Southeast Asia. It is the largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia and has a population...
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Min Aung Hlaing is a Burmese army general who is the current Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces. He assumed the post on 30 March 2011. He is also a member of the National Defence and Security Council chaired by the President of Myanmar.
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Sagaing Region is an administrative region of Myanmar, located in the north-western part of the country between latitude 21° 30' north and longitude 94° 97' east.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Tayzar San is a Burmese physician, politician and pro-democracy activist. He is a leading figure in the Spring Revolution in Myanmar. San served as chairman of the Mandalay District All Burma Federation of Student Unions.
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The Union Solidarity and Development Party (Burmese: ပြည်ထောင်စုကြံ့ခိုင်ရေးနှင့် ဖွံ့ဖြိုးရေးပါတီ; abbr. USDP) is an ultranationalist, pro-military political party in