Myanmar Junta's Elections Face Long Odds Amidst Civil War

Myanmar's military junta is proceeding with multi-phase elections from late December 2025 into January 2026, widely viewed as a bid to legitimize its rule amid ongoing civil war. Critics and international bodies largely dismiss these polls as a sham, given widespread repression and the exclusion of key opposition figures and parties. Regional and international responses are divided.

• Myanmar junta schedules multi-phase elections from late December 2025 to January 2026.
• Elections largely seen as a 'sham' to legitimize military rule amid civil war.
• Voting will not occur in nearly 40% of townships due to ongoing conflict and military control issues.
• Aung San Suu Kyi's party dissolved; Western governments and UN reject polls' credibility.
• China backs the elections; ASEAN expresses concern and will not send observers.
• Analysts predict elections will not resolve conflict or ensure genuine stability.

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