Archive · 27 Dec 2025
Myanmar Junta Holds Contested Elections Amid Criticism
Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is holding elections to try to stay in power after taking control of the country in a coup.
The elections are happening in parts of Myanmar where the military is in charge, and only a few parties, mostly supporting the military, are allowed to run.
Many people and countries around the world say these elections aren't fair because there's still a lot of fighting in Myanmar, and the military is not letting everyone participate.
The military says the elections are for the people of Myanmar, not to please other countries.
Experts think these elections won't bring peace or make the situation better, but the military is hoping to get some support from other countries, especially China.
India is also considering how to handle the situation, trying to balance its relationships with the military and the people of Myanmar.
Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is pushing for elections to legitimize military rule after a 2021 coup.
Elections will be held in three phases in 265 townships where the military has control, with limited party participation.
Analysts and diplomats doubt the elections will bring stability or international recognition due to ongoing civil war and lack of inclusivity.
The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is expected to win, potentially leading to a civilian role for Min Aung Hlaing.
International community, including the UN and Western nations, criticizes the elections as neither free nor fair, while the junta insists they have popular support.
- Who
- Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
- What
- General elections in Myanmar, controlled by the junta, with limited participation and international criticism
- When
- December 28, January 11, and potentially January 28
- Where
- 265 townships out of 330 in Myanmar where the military has control
- Why
- To cement military control, gain international legitimacy, and transition to a civilian veneer
- Junta Chief
- Min Aung Hlaing
- Election Dates
- December 28, January 11, and potentially January 28
- Townships Voting
- 99 out of 330 townships in full, 93 partially, 10 only in military-controlled areas, 56 cancelled
- Military-Backed Party
- Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
- Key Ally
- China
- International Criticism
- UN, Western nations, human rights groups
- Junta's Stance
- Denies coercion, claims popular support
- Election System
- Proportional representation, Electronic Voting Machines
Sources
Myanmar Junta's Shift From Battlefield To Ballots Faces Long Odds
Myanmar’s Staged Polls: Ballots Without Choice And A Crisis Set To Worsen
Myanmar: The junta-organised ‘election’ is a poorly-crafted illusion. India must not fall for it
Myanmar goes to the polls amid civil war and humanitarian crisis
As Myanmar goes to polls, country's junta will witness a shift from battlefield to ballots
Myanmar Set To Hold Elections Tomorrow Amid Civil War And Humanitarian Crisis
