Key Facts
• Myanmar’s military regime announced elections starting December 28, 2025.
• This marks the first election since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi.
• 55 political parties have registered, with 9 aiming for nationwide seats.
• The election will be conducted in phases, with later dates yet to be announced.
• Large areas remain under control of anti-government forces amid ongoing conflict.
• International criticism labels the election as a facade to strengthen military power.
• China supports the election, citing Myanmar’s stability as strategically important.
• The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, is barred from participating.
• UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews condemned the election as a “fraudulent act.”
• Thousands have died since the coup, with Myanmar facing economic collapse and humanitarian crises.
Summary
Myanmar’s military regime has announced its first general election since the 2021 coup, set to begin on December 28, 2025. The election, planned in phases, faces widespread international criticism as a ploy to legitimize military rule. Despite 55 parties registering, key opposition groups, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD, are excluded. Ongoing conflict and anti-government control over large areas raise doubts about the election’s feasibility. China has expressed support, emphasizing Myanmar’s stability as a strategic interest. However, the UN and human rights groups have denounced the election as illegitimate, citing the regime’s failure to end violence and ensure fair participation. Since the coup, Myanmar has suffered significant casualties, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises, further complicating the election’s credibility.
