Election ‘likely’ in 2025, says Myanmar military’s proxy party
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), acting as a proxy for Myanmar’s military junta, announced on Tuesday that elections are likely to be held in 2025. This comes as the military continues to face resistance in its attempt to suppress opposition to its rule. The military justified its coup in February 2021 by claiming widespread fraud in the 2020 elections, which were won by the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
The military’s coup marked the end of a 10-year democratic experiment in Myanmar and plunged the country into chaos. Now, the military is engaged in battles with opponents across various regions. Despite this, a senior member of the USDP stated, on condition of anonymity, that elections in 2025 are likely due to the upcoming census-taking process in 2024 and the current situation in Myanmar.
Another member of a junta-approved party also suggested that elections could take place in early 2025, but did not provide further details. The junta spokesman could not be reached for comment.
Changes to the Election System
The junta-stacked election commission announced on Tuesday that 36 political parties have been granted permission to participate in future polls. Out of these, seven have been approved to compete countrywide, and 29 on a regional level. The commission also revealed that the first-past-the-post system, which previously gave the NLD significant victories over military-backed parties, will be replaced by a proportional representation system across the country.
In March, the election commission dissolved the NLD for failing to re-register under new military-authored rules. The NLD, co-founded by Aung San Suu Kyi in 1988, had previously won a landslide victory in the 1990 elections, which were later nullified by the junta. The party continued to advocate for democratic principles and achieved major wins in the 2015 and 2020 elections. However, the junta’s brutal crackdown on dissent has severely impacted the party’s leadership, with some members executed.
Looking Ahead
The prospect of elections in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for Myanmar, as it could potentially pave the way for a return to democratic governance. However, the current resistance to the military junta and its continued use of force against dissenting voices raises concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of any future elections.
As the situation in Myanmar continues to evolve, it is crucial for the international community to monitor developments and support efforts to restore democracy in the country. The welfare and rights of the people of Myanmar should be at the forefront of any discussions or actions taken by the global community.
