Myanmar's Controversial Election Set Amid Ongoing Civil Unrest

Myanmar is set to hold its first general election since the military coup of 2021, a move critics say will only serve to solidify the junta's control amid ongoing conflict.

Myanmar's military government has announced that it will conduct its first general election since the coup on December 28. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has claimed the elections will be "free and fair," but this assertion has been met with skepticism in light of the ongoing civil strife that has engulfed the nation since the overthrow of democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.

The country has descended into a brutal civil war with numerous ethnic armed groups opposing the military regime, most of whom have declared they will not participate in the voting process in their territories. The military's prior attempts to schedule elections were postponed multiple times as it struggled to confront the rising insurgency, which now controls substantial regions of the country.

According to state media, 55 political parties have registered to participate in the upcoming polls, with nine set to vie for national seats. "The first phase of the multi-party democratic general election will commence on Sunday, 28 December 2025," confirmed the country's election commission. Further dates for subsequent election phases are yet to be announced.

The military junta faces significant logistical obstacles in conducting these elections, particularly as large portions of Myanmar remain under control of opposition forces and in constant conflict. Despite this, Hlaing has maintained that the elections should proceed, threatening measures against those who obstruct or criticize the process.

Significantly, the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party that achieved overwhelming victories in the elections prior to the coup, has been barred from participation. The proposed elections have largely been dismissed as a facade; however, they enjoy the backing of China, which views a stable Myanmar as crucial for regional interests.

Human rights advocates are condemning the elections as an ill-conceived attempt by the junta to legitimize its rule. Tom Andrews, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, has condemned the initiative as a “mirage of an election” and has urged the global community to reject the electoral process entirely, stating that it would only enhance the junta's authoritarian grip.

Amid growing violence since the coup, which has claimed thousands of lives and crippled the economy, citizens are reeling from the compounded crises, including a devastating earthquake this past March. Analysts have warned that the junta is mistaken if it believes that the elections can hold any credibility under the current dire conditions. Human Rights Watch emphasized that essential measures—including the cessation of violence, the release of political prisoners, and the inclusion of opposition parties—must be taken prior to holding elections.

As fears of famine loom large, the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, garnering grave concern from the international community.