Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has reiterated his commitment to conduct a general election by the close of this year, during his address at the annual Armed Forces Day ceremony. This announcement comes amidst ongoing unrest following the 2021 coup that displaced the democratically elected State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, which sparked extensive protests and a rise in armed resistance throughout the nation.
Plans for elections amid ongoing conflict
Speaking to an audience of over 7,000 military personnel gathered in the capital city of Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing outlined the military government’s preparations for the anticipated December election. He emphasized that the election would be conducted in accordance with the prevailing security conditions in various regions, many of which are currently embroiled in conflict.
During the ceremony, which featured servicemen and women standing in formation and fighter jets flying overhead, the military leader sought to appeal to opposition groups, urging them to engage in party politics and participate in the electoral process.
The military junta has previously cited the organization of an election as a primary objective, yet they have continuously postponed the date. Observers widely interpret this electoral initiative as a strategy to legitimize the military’s takeover through a formal voting process, aiming to ensure the continuation of military control over the government.
Criticism of the election process
In his speech, Min Aung Hlaing justified the military’s actions against Suu Kyi’s government by reiterating discredited claims that it had failed to investigate alleged irregularities from the November 2020 elections. He promised that his regime would deliver a “free and fair election” and ultimately transfer power post-elections.
However, the current security landscape poses significant challenges to the election’s feasibility, with reports suggesting the military controls less than half of the country. Critics argue that the planned election is unlikely to be fair or free, particularly in light of restrictions on the media and the arrest of many leaders from Suu Kyi’s popular National League for Democracy party.
“Suu Kyi is serving prison sentences totalling 27 years after being convicted in a series of prosecutions widely seen as politically motivated.”
The Armed Forces Day commemorates the day in 1945 when Myanmar’s army, then known as Burma, initiated its fight against Japanese occupiers. Earlier this month, while visiting Belarus, Min Aung Hlaing indicated the timeline for the forthcoming election and noted that 53 political parties had submitted their lists to participate.
State media confirmed that he reiterated the election timeline at a government meeting, though it remains unclear whether the vote will take place in the final weeks of December, the first two weeks of January, or over an extended period throughout those weeks. Additionally, state-run MRTV reported that the military chief has granted amnesty to seven foreign prisoners, including four Thais, who will soon be deported, which is a common practice during state or religious holidays.