Myanmar’s military ruler, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, announced on Thursday (local time) that national elections will be held by mid-2025, contingent upon the completion of a nationwide census scheduled for October 2024. Speaking during a televised address marking the third anniversary of the junta’s rule, Min Aung Hlaing said the vote would follow the census and reaffirmed his commitment to a multi-party democratic system. The announcement comes more than three years after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
Officials announced that elections are set for December 2025, though an exact date remains unconfirmed. The promise of new elections comes in the context of intense civil conflict and determined opposition, raising doubts about whether credible voting can take place.
LEADERSHIP RESHUFFLE
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing stepped down from his role as head of the now-dissolved State Administration Council and as prime minister. However, he now becomes acting president with broader powers under a new system, maintaining his prominent political influence.
All state duties have been moved under the National Defence and Security Council, which is heavily military-controlled. This body has created the State Security and Peace Commission, still led by Min Aung Hlaing, further centralising authority in his hands. The military says ending emergency rule was necessary to hold elections within six months, per constitutional rules. Despite several past delays since first promising elections in 2023, the military faces both logistical barriers and ongoing fighting across much of the country.
As per reports by AP, MRTV state television also reported that the council has formed a new entity, the State Security and Peace Commission, to monitor the election process, which is also being headed by Min Aung Hlaing, handing him even more power. MRTV later said other agencies undergoing a reshuffle included the State Election Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
CONFLICTS AND CASUALTIES
The post-coup crackdown sparked armed resistance, broadening into civil war. Human rights groups estimate more than 7,000 deaths and over 29,000 detentions linked to the conflict, though military figures differ. As of Wednesday, 7,013 people have been killed and 29,471 have been arrested by the security forces since the takeover, according to tallies kept by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
OPPOSITION REJECTS POLL PLAN
Opposition groups, including the National Unity Government and various ethnic armed factions, have rejected the planned vote, claiming it cannot be fair with many politicians jailed and no press freedoms. They have vowed to block the elections and continue their struggle until their demands are met. While the military regime ends emergency rule and plans for elections, instability and scepticism remain. The legitimacy of the process is deeply questioned, and Myanmar’s conflict shows no sign of abating ahead of the proposed December polls.
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With inputs from AP