Military council leader Min Aung Hlaing has announced during his visit to Belarus 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 following his meeting with the President of Belarus on March 7.
Min Aung Hlaing stated that they are planning to hold elections at the earliest in December 2025 or January 2026. According to military sources in Naypyidaw, this announcement reflects the military council’s attempts to extend their period of control. Sources indicate that Min Aung Hlaing frequently mentions his intention to serve a full five-year term as the caretaker government, and often suggests he could continue for another term, citing his health and the country’s needs. He has also implied that he plans 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-planned elections. However, political analysts point out that these elections, being under military council control, cannot be considered free and fair. The military council has maintained power against the will of the people for more than three years since seizing control on February 1, 2021. The continued postponement of elections demonstrates the military council’s reluctance to relinquish power and their ongoing efforts to maintain control over the country’s political landscape.
