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, marking 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.
According to military sources in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing intends to serve a full five-year term as the head of the caretaker government, and he has frequently indicated that he could continue serving another term depending on his health condition and the country’s needs. Military sources suggest that he plans to remain involved in political processes even after the elections. During the press conference in Belarus, Min Aung Hlaing revealed that 53 political parties have registered for the military-planned elections.
However, political analysts point out that since these elections will be held under military council control, they cannot be considered free and fair. The military council has been maintaining power against the will of the people since seizing control on February 1, 2021. The announcement of such delayed elections further demonstrates the military council’s intention to extend its grip on power, despite widespread opposition from the people of Myanmar. The military council continues to face resistance across the country while attempting to legitimize its rule through these planned elections.
