Military council leader Min Aung Hlaing has announced that their planned election will only be held at the end of 2025 or in January 2026, marking five years since the military coup. He made this declaration during a press conference following his meeting with the President of Belarus on March 7, where he explicitly stated that they are planning to hold the election at the earliest in December 2025 or January 2026.
A military source in Naypyidaw has provided detailed information about the election postponement. According to the source, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing frequently mentions in meetings that he is considering holding the election only in 2026. The source also revealed that he intends to serve a full five-year term as the caretaker government leader. Min Aung Hlaing often states that he is still in good health and could continue serving another term if the country needs him, suggesting his intention to maintain political influence even after the election.
During the press conference in Belarus, the military council leader announced that 53 political parties have registered for their planned election. The military source suggests that Min Aung Hlaing plans to remain involved in the political process even after the election. This indicates that the military council is attempting to use the election to legitimize their seizure of power. The continued postponement of the election and Min Aung Hlaing’s statements about potentially extending his role demonstrate the military council’s reluctance to relinquish control and their efforts to maintain their grip on power through administrative means.
