What's happened
Myanmar's military junta has started phased elections on December 28, 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 Disguised as Democracy
The elections are a strategic move by Myanmar's military junta to legitimize its grip on power through a controlled political process. By excluding major opposition parties, especially the National League for Democracy, and enforcing harsh laws against dissent, the junta ensures a predictable outcome favoring its proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
Repression and Civil War Undermine Credibility
The ongoing civil war and widespread armed resistance severely limit the elections' reach and fairness. With over 3.6 million internally displaced people and thousands detained for political reasons, the environment is hostile to free political participation. The junta's use of violence, arrests, and intimidation, alongside legal measures punishing election criticism with long prison terms, further delegitimizes the process.
International and Regional Dynamics
While Western nations maintain sanctions and condemn the elections, regional powers like China, India, and Thailand appear more accommodating, prioritizing stability and infrastructure interests. The junta seeks to exploit this to gain international legitimacy despite widespread condemnation from the UN and human rights groups.
Forecast and Consequences
The elections will likely cement military influence under a civilian facade, with Min Aung Hlaing expected to assume a formal leadership role. However, this will not resolve the civil conflict or political crisis. Instead, it risks intensifying violence and prolonging instability, with limited prospects for genuine democratic transition or reconciliation in the near term.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the dire economic and social conditions in Myanmar, illustrating the human cost of the ongoing conflict and military rule, with stories like Ma Moe Moe San's struggle to survive. The Independent and AP News provide detailed accounts of the election's structure, legal repression, and the exclusion of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, emphasizing the lack of fairness and the military's intent to maintain control. Reuters and The Japan Times report on the junta's messaging urging voters to support candidates aligned with the military, underscoring the orchestrated nature of the polls. Arab News and France 24 focus on the human rights abuses surrounding the elections, including arrests under the election protection law and threats against civilians and election workers. The Japan Times and Reuters also note the junta's attempt to gain international legitimacy through the elections, despite ongoing civil war and resistance. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of an election process designed to entrench military power rather than reflect the will of the Myanmar people.
How we got here
In February 2021, Myanmar's military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread protests and a civil war. The junta dissolved major opposition parties and enacted strict election laws to suppress dissent. The December 2025 elections are the first since the coup, held in phases only in areas under military control, with many opposition groups boycotting the vote.
Go deeper
- Why are major opposition parties excluded from Myanmar's elections?
- What impact does the ongoing civil war have on the election process?
- How is the international community responding to Myanmar's elections?
Common question
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What Does Myanmar’s Release of Political Prisoners Mean for Its Upcoming Elections?
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What’s the significance of Myanmar’s political prisoner releases ahead of elections?
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What’s Happening with Myanmar’s Elections and Why Are They Considered Unfair?
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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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