Thailand and India Urge Credibility in Myanmar's Upcoming Elections Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Myanmar is set to hold elections starting December 28, 2025, following a military coup in February 2021 that has plunged the country into a civil war. The military junta, led by Min Aung Hlaing, has promised that these elections will pave the way for peace and democracy. However, rights monitors and analysts have expressed skepticism, labeling the elections as a façade to maintain military control while suppressing dissent.

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Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has publicly called for the Myanmar junta to peacefully transition power after the elections, emphasizing that the upcoming polls will not be credible. He stated that Thailand "won’t be in a position to recognize the elections" due to the military's ongoing repression and the exclusion of significant political stakeholders. Sihasak's comments came after a meeting with Min Aung Hlaing, where he expressed hope for a political transition but acknowledged the junta's continued military leadership.

The Straits TimesThe HinduThe HinduShan youth urge people to reject Myanmar junta’s sham electionIndia supports transition to democracy in Myanmar: MEA

India has also weighed in, with the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserting that all political stakeholders should participate in the electoral process for it to be deemed credible. Jaiswal emphasized the need for the elections to be "free, fair, and inclusive," reflecting India's support for Myanmar's transition to democracy. However, he noted that the current environment is marred by violence and repression, which undermines the legitimacy of the electoral exercise.

The Hindu

Multiple civil society organizations and media outlets have condemned the elections as a "sham." Mizzima, a news outlet run by exiled pro-democracy activists, criticized the junta for failing to establish security and for conducting widespread arrests and violence against dissenters. The Shan Youth Civil Society Organizations have urged the Shan people to boycott the elections, arguing that the junta's actions are merely an attempt to legitimize its rule and cover up ongoing war crimes.

Shan youth urge people to reject Myanmar junta’s sham election

The junta's election commission has announced the cancellation of voting in approximately 1,600 village areas, citing conditions that are "not conducive" to free and fair elections. This decision further limits the scope of the electoral process, which has already been criticized for excluding major political parties and detaining thousands of political opponents since the coup.

The Hindu

• “The junta’s sham election is only an attempt to revive the 2008 Constitution and will only take us further away from a genuine federal democracy,” — Shan Youth Civil Society Organizations

Shan youth urge people to reject Myanmar junta’s sham election

• “Far from being a process that could spearhead a political transition from crisis to stability and the restoration of democratic and civilian rule, this process seems nearly certain to further ingrain insecurity, fear and polarisation throughout the country,” — Jeremy Laurence, UN Human Rights Office

India supports transition to democracy in Myanmar: MEA

As Myanmar approaches its elections, the international community remains divided on the legitimacy of the process. While Thailand and India advocate for a credible electoral exercise, numerous civil society groups and rights organizations continue to denounce the elections as a mere façade for ongoing military rule. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further conflict as various factions within Myanmar respond to the junta's electoral plans.

The Hindu