Myanmar to hold election from December 28, junta says

With the opposition either boycotting or barred from running, the poll has been dismissed by the West as a ruse to keep the junta in power

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A Myanmese official shows how to use a voting machine for elections in Yangon. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:55pm, 18 Aug 2025Updated: 3:58pm, 18 Aug 2025

Myanmar’s junta said on Monday that long-promised elections would start on December 28, despite a raging civil war that has put much of the country out of its control, and international monitors slating the poll as a charade.

Myanmar has been consumed by conflict since the military deposed the government of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, making unsubstantiated allegations of electoral fraud.

Swathes of the country are beyond military control - administered by a myriad of pro-democracy guerrillas and powerful ethnic armed organisations which have pledged to block polls in their enclaves.

Analysts say the election is likely to see junta chief Min Aung Hlaing maintain his power over any new government – either as president, military leader or some new office where he will consolidate control.

“I think this election is only being held to give power to military dictators until the world ends,” said one Myanmar citizen in the western state of Rakhine.

“I don’t think the election will hold any significance for the people,” added the 63-year-old, declining to be named for security reasons.

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