BANGKOK - A U.S. diplomat stated on October 11 that a free election in junta-controlled Myanmar is currently "impossible to imagine," just days after the junta leader reaffirmed plans for new elections, supported by close ally China.
The military took control in 2021, citing unproven allegations of electoral fraud, and has since arrested and killed thousands while prohibiting political parties in a widespread crackdown on dissent.
Despite losing territory to established ethnic rebel groups and newly formed "People’s Defence Forces" since the coup, the junta has announced intentions to hold new elections, likely in 2025.
U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, remarked that any election would merely result in the military's return to power. She pointed out that with ongoing clashes in nearly every region, it is difficult to envision a logistical framework for administering an election, let alone one that is fair.
On October 9, state media reported that junta leader Min Aung Hlaing "clearly reaffirmed" the military’s commitment to conducting elections. However, the military has repeatedly postponed the election timeline, and in March, the top general suggested that nationwide voting might not occur due to ongoing conflict.
Currently, junta officials are conducting a national census, which is seen as a necessary step before any new elections can take place. Any election would exclude the National League for Democracy party, led by the highly popular Aung San Suu Kyi, which was dissolved by the junta-controlled election commission in 2023.
In August, China’s foreign minister expressed support for the military’s plan to hold elections and facilitate a "democratic transition" in the conflict-stricken nation.
The civil war in Myanmar was a key topic at the ASEAN summit held in Laos on October 10. Leaders from the 10-member bloc, which includes Myanmar, criticized the military's efforts to implement a peace plan as "substantially inadequate," according to a draft statement seen by AFP.
