🗳 Myanmar military sets elections for Dec 28
Scepticism grows over promise of free & fair polls ⚠️
The Main Takeaway
Myanmar’s military government announced that general elections will begin on December 28, the first since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration.
“Further dates for the subsequent steps of the elections will be announced accordingly,” — Union Election Commission
Why It’s on Our Radar
⚔️ Civil war still rages, with large areas under rebel control
🚫 Main opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) will boycott, calling the vote a sham
🌏 Outcome will shape Myanmar’s ties with ASEAN and the international community
What’s at Stake
🪖 Legitimacy play — Seen as a bid to entrench Min Aung Hlaing’s power
👥 Representation gap — Opposition absence raises doubts about inclusivity
🔎 International scrutiny — Monitoring groups question credibility amid conflict
The Big Picture
🗓 Last election: November 2020, swept by the NLD
🛑 Military annulled results, alleging fraud, dismissed by monitors (ANFREL, Carter Center)
📍 Since the coup: emergency rule, mass arrests, and escalating resistance from the People’s Defence Force, Arakan Army, & others
The Regional Stakes
🌏 ASEAN’s credibility tested as Myanmar turmoil drags on
🚪 Neighboring countries face spillover risks: refugees, border instability, and strained diplomacy
“These elections are widely viewed as a sham aimed at buttressing Min Aung Hlaing’s hold on power.” — Opposition groups
Need More Angles?
Associated Press Myanmar will start national elections on Dec. 28 though much of the country is wracked by war
Al Jazeera Myanmar’s military government announces elections for December 28
The Irrawaddy Myanmar Junta Sets December 28 Poll Date Despite Raging Civil War
(QOB)