UPDATE: Myanmar is facing a pivotal moment as elections scheduled for January 11 and January 25, 2025 unfold, amid growing allegations that they serve as a mere guise for continued military control. Following the 2021 military coup, which ousted the elected government, opposition groups and analysts have condemned the upcoming polls as neither free nor fair.
Critics assert that the military, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, is using these elections to legitimize its rule while suppressing genuine democratic processes. “These elections are not credible at all,” states Richard Horsey, an analyst with the International Crisis Group. “They do not include any of the political parties that did well in the last election or the election before.”
The military’s strategy appears designed for its favored Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) to secure a landslide victory. This would allow the military to shift from direct rule to a government with a “civilian veneer,” maintaining its grip on power while feigning inclusiveness in line with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ calls for constructive dialogue.
Voting will occur in three phases, starting with 102 of the country’s 330 townships on January 11. However, fierce conflict in areas dominated by ethnic guerrilla groups has led to voting being canceled in 65 townships. Despite 57 parties fielding candidates, the military’s electoral framework heavily favors the USDP, severely limiting genuine competition.
The backdrop of these elections is grim. Since the coup, over 22,000 people have been imprisoned, and more than 7,600 civilians have lost their lives due to military actions. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with 3.6 million people displaced from their homes. The UN Human Rights Office has described the situation as one of intensified violence, repression, and intimidation.
Moreover, the former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, remains imprisoned, serving a 27-year sentence on charges widely viewed as politically motivated. Her party, the National League for Democracy, has been dissolved, and many other parties have either boycotted the elections or withdrawn under oppressive conditions.
Opposition groups are calling for a voter boycott, emphasizing that the military-controlled elections will only entrench the existing power structures. Horsey warns that following the polls, Myanmar could witness escalated conflict as opponents challenge the military’s perceived legitimacy.
As these critical elections approach, the international community watches closely, with many Western nations maintaining sanctions against Myanmar’s ruling generals. The outcome will likely shape the country’s political landscape for years to come, leaving millions in a state of uncertainty.
NEXT: As voting phases proceed, all eyes will be on the military’s response to any dissent and the potential for increased violence in the wake of the elections. The international community’s reaction to the legitimacy of the results will also be a key factor in Myanmar’s ongoing struggle for democracy.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent story unfolds.
