The leader of the military council, Min Aung Hlaing, has announced that elections will only be held at the end of this year or in January 2026, marking five years since the military coup. He made this announcement during a press conference after meeting with the President of Belarus on March 7, where he is currently visiting.
Min Aung Hlaing stated that they are planning to hold elections at the earliest in December 2025 or January 2026. The Yangon Modern News Agency, citing military sources in Naypyidaw, had previously reported that the military council was planning to hold their controlled elections only in 2026.
According to military sources in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing frequently mentions in meetings his consideration of holding elections in 2026. The source indicated that he plans to serve a full five-year term as the caretaker government leader. He often states that he is still healthy and could serve another term if the country needs him, suggesting he intends to maintain a political role even after the elections.
During the press conference in Belarus, Min Aung Hlaing revealed that 53 political parties have registered to participate in the military-organized elections. Military sources suggest that he intends to remain involved in the political process even after the elections. This announcement comes as the military council continues to face widespread resistance across the country, with many viewing any military-organized elections as illegitimate.
