9 March, 2025; Myanmar’s military government has announced that general elections will be held in December 2025 or January 2026, marking the first concrete timeline for the long-promised polls. This statement, made by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, comes amid ongoing conflict and deep political turmoil following the military coup in February 2021. While the announcement may appear to signal a return to democratic governance, significant concerns remain regarding the legitimacy, fairness, and feasibility of the proposed elections.
A Fragile Political Landscape
Since the coup that ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), Myanmar has been engulfed in widespread resistance, economic decline, and international condemnation. The military regime, formally known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has struggled to consolidate power in the face of armed resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic insurgent groups. The ongoing conflict has displaced over two million people, further complicating the prospects of a credible electoral process.
Concerns Over Electoral Legitimacy
A key question is whether the upcoming elections will be free and fair. Critics argue that the military’s control over the political landscape raises doubts about transparency and inclusivity. The junta has already implemented stringent electoral laws that make it nearly impossible for opposition parties, including the NLD, to participate. The military-backed Union Election Commission has also dissolved several political parties, effectively removing any meaningful competition.
Moreover, martial law and crackdowns on dissent continue to suppress political freedoms. Many opposition leaders remain imprisoned, and political activists face severe repression. Given these conditions, observers fear that the elections will be designed to legitimize military rule rather than restore democracy.
International and Regional Responses
The international community, including ASEAN, the United Nations, and Western governments, has largely condemned the military’s actions since the coup. However, responses have varied, with some countries advocating for dialogue while others impose sanctions. ASEAN has attempted mediation efforts through its Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an end to violence and inclusive political dialogue, but progress has been minimal.
China, India, and Russia, key geopolitical players in the region, have maintained relations with the junta, prioritizing strategic and economic interests over democratic concerns. Their stance could influence the political trajectory of Myanmar in the coming years.
Will Elections Provide a Solution?
For elections to offer a way out of Myanmar’s political crisis, they must be credible, inclusive, and accepted by the people. However, given the current repression, lack of independent electoral oversight, and widespread resistance, the planned elections are unlikely to bring genuine political reconciliation. Instead, they risk further entrenching military rule while exacerbating the ongoing conflict.
Unless significant reforms are made—such as the release of political prisoners, an end to military violence, and meaningful participation of opposition groups—the elections may serve as a mere façade rather than a pathway to democracy. The people of Myanmar, who have continued to resist military rule despite brutal crackdowns, may not accept the outcome of a manipulated vote, prolonging instability.
Conclusion
Myanmar stands at a crossroads, with elections being presented as a potential solution to its deepening crisis. However, without fundamental changes to ensure a truly democratic process, the upcoming polls risk being yet another tool for the military to consolidate its grip on power. The path to genuine stability and democracy will require more than just elections—it will demand meaningful political dialogue, an end to military oppression, and international pressure for a fair and transparent political transition.
