Story perspectives

Myanmar's Junta Plans Controversial Elections Amid Civil War

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Myanmar military junta will hold phased elections starting December 28, with many regions unable to participate due to ongoing civil conflict.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the polls will not be nationwide due to boycott or dissolution.
Ethnic armed groups control large territories and oppose the elections.
The process is widely condemned as illegitimate and raises stability concerns.
Nearly half of Myanmar's population lives in poverty, complicating legitimacy.

History

Historical Context

Myanmar's political landscape has been tumultuous since the 1988 collapse of Ne Win's military regime, leading to the 1990 elections where the National League for Democracy (NLD) won but was denied power. In 2010, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party dominated elections, while the NLD boycotted due to restrictions. Today, ongoing civil conflict and ethnic opposition challenge the legitimacy of current electoral processes, affecting nearly half the population living in poverty.

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Story summary

The Myanmar military junta will hold phased elections starting December 28, with many regions unable to participate due to ongoing civil conflict.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the polls will not be nationwide due to boycott or dissolution.
Ethnic armed groups control large territories and oppose the elections.
The process is widely condemned as illegitimate and raises stability concerns.
Nearly half of Myanmar's population lives in poverty, complicating legitimacy.

1 / 2