Myanmar’s ruling military junta has officially acknowledged that it will be unable to conduct nationwide elections as planned, citing widespread conflict and instability across the country. The general elections, scheduled to begin in late December, were initially presented as a key step toward political restoration. However, with civil war still raging, many regions remain outside the junta’s control, casting serious doubt on the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the vote.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing made the admission during a televised address from Naypyitaw, stating that the polls “cannot be held everywhere 100%.” He added that by-elections would later be organized in regions where voting cannot initially take place. His remarks came shortly after his meeting with Malaysia’s foreign minister and ahead of an upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where Myanmar’s political crisis is expected to be discussed.
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The announcement comes amid escalating violence and division following the 2021 coup that ousted the country’s elected civilian government. The coup triggered a nationwide rebellion, with ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces capturing large areas previously controlled by the military. This ongoing conflict has disrupted administrative systems, displaced millions, and made it nearly impossible to ensure fair and transparent voting conditions.
Furthermore, the junta has imposed strict rules for political participation, requiring parties to have at least 50,000 members and 100 million kyat in funds to qualify for contesting. These conditions have effectively sidelined dozens of anti-junta groups and smaller political movements. Currently, only six parties meet the eligibility criteria, leading critics to label the upcoming polls a sham exercise designed to solidify the military’s power under a democratic façade.
Meanwhile, ASEAN countries have been invited to send observers to monitor the elections, which are expected to take place in multiple phases through January. Malaysia, as the current chair of ASEAN, will play a crucial role in discussions about the bloc’s involvement and its stance on Myanmar’s deteriorating political situation. However, with over half of Myanmar’s 330 townships excluded from the voter census, the elections are widely expected to fall short of international standards for fairness and inclusivity.