Key Facts
• Myanmar’s military announced the general election will start on December 28, 2025.
• Voting will occur in phases due to ongoing conflicts with armed groups.
• 55 political parties are expected to participate in the election.
• The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has been effectively dissolved.
• Opposition parties have declared a boycott of the election.
• The military aims to legitimize its rule by ensuring victory for military-aligned parties.
• Armed groups oppose the election, making nationwide implementation challenging.
• On August 17, a military airstrike in Kayah State killed at least 24 civilians.
• The military claims the 2020 election, where its parties lost, was fraudulent.
• Further election dates after December 28 will be announced later.
Summary
Myanmar’s military government has announced that the general election will commence on December 28, 2025, despite ongoing civil conflict. The election will be conducted in phases, with additional dates to be disclosed later. Fifty-five political parties are expected to participate, but the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has been dissolved following the 2021 coup. Opposition parties have declared a boycott, increasing the likelihood of a military-aligned party victory. Armed groups continue to resist the election, complicating efforts to hold a nationwide vote. The military, which claims the 2020 election was fraudulent, seeks to use the upcoming election to legitimize its rule. Meanwhile, violence persists, with a recent airstrike in Kayah State killing 24 civilians.
