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. According to Yangon Modern News Agency, citing military sources in Naypyidaw, the military council has been planning to hold their controlled elections only when 2026 arrives.
Military sources in Naypyidaw revealed that 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. Additionally, he often states that since he remains in good health, he could continue serving another term if the country needs him. The source suggests that Min Aung Hlaing intends to maintain a political role even after the elections.
During the press conference in Belarus, Min Aung Hlaing announced that 53 political parties have registered to participate in the military-organized elections. However, both domestic and international critics have condemned these planned elections as illegitimate and merely an attempt to legitimize military rule, noting that they do not reflect the will of the Myanmar people.
