The leader of the military council, Min Aung Hlaing, announced during his visit to Belarus that elections would only be held at the end of this year or in January 2026, after completing five years since the military coup. He made this announcement during a press conference following his meeting with the President of Belarus on March 7. The military council leader stated that they are planning to hold elections at the earliest in December 2025 or January 2026.
Regarding the military council’s election plans, a military source in Naypyidaw revealed that the council leader intends to serve a full five-year term as the caretaker government. The source also mentioned that Min Aung Hlaing frequently states that he could continue serving another term if the country still needs him, citing his good health. The source indicated that even after the elections, Min Aung Hlaing appears to plan to remain involved in the political process. During the press conference in Belarus, the military council leader also announced that 53 political parties have registered to participate in their planned election.
Political analysts point out that the military council’s planned election is merely an attempt to legitimize the military dictatorship and goes completely against the will of the people. Since seizing power on February 1, 2021, the military council has continued to commit acts of violence against civilians and has been working to destroy genuine democracy. The military council’s announcement of election plans comes amid ongoing oppression of civilians and forced military service, while they continue to maintain their grip on power through violence and coercion. The planned election is widely viewed as an attempt to extend military rule rather than a genuine step toward democratic governance.
