Myanmar junta chief confirms plan for year-end elections

Myanmar's junta chief announced that the country plans to hold elections in December and January, as reported by state media. The military took over Myanmar's civilian government in a 2021 coup, leading to a civil war. Despite being labeled as a sham by international observers, the junta sees the elections as a step towards peace.

However, with former government members detained, opposition groups boycotting the vote, and parts of the country under rebel control, experts believe a fair election is unlikely. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing stated at a conference that the election will take place in December this year and January next year.

It remains unclear if the election will be held in phases or if there will be a campaign period. The United Nations' special rapporteur on Myanmar's rights situation criticized the junta's attempt to portray the election as a legitimate process, citing human rights abuses and restrictions on freedom of speech.