Military council leader Min Aung Hlaing has made an announcement regarding elections during his visit to Belarus. Following his meeting with the Belarusian president on March 7, he declared at a press conference that elections would only be held in December 2025 or January 2026. This timeline indicates an attempt to maintain power until the fifth anniversary of the military coup. This announcement came during his visit to Belarus, where he met with the country’s president and held a press conference to discuss various matters including the electoral timeline.
According to military sources in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing has repeatedly mentioned in meetings his intention to hold elections within 2026. He has also expressed plans to serve a full five-year term as the head of the caretaker government, frequently stating that he remains in good health and could continue serving additional terms if the country requires it. Sources indicate that he has suggested he would maintain a political role even after the elections, demonstrating his intention to retain influence over the country’s governance.
During the press conference in Belarus, the military council leader announced that 53 political parties have registered to participate in their planned election. However, political analysts point out that since this election would be held under military council control, it cannot be considered free and fair. The extended timeline for the election, pushing it to late 2025 or early 2026, represents a significant delay from earlier promises and coincides with the completion of five years since the military seized power. This prolonged timeline has raised concerns about the military council’s true intentions regarding the transfer of power and the restoration of democratic governance in the country.
