Myanmar Prepares for First Elections Since 2021 Coup

(MENAFN) Myanmar is preparing to conduct the initial stage of its general election on December 28, marking the nation’s first polls in five years following the military takeover in 2021.

Western nations and the United Nations have raised doubts about the fairness of the three-stage electoral process planned by the Southeast Asian country.

Former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, now 80 years old, and her political organization will not participate. Her National League party was dissolved after refusing to comply with new registration requirements imposed by the military authorities.

The ruling military has described the elections as a restoration of multi-party democracy, despite having seized power by removing Suu Kyi’s government in 2021. She remains imprisoned, serving a 27-year sentence on charges widely regarded by opposition groups as politically motivated.

India has emphasized the need for transparent and inclusive elections to ensure a genuine democratic transition. According to a media outlet, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated: “India supports Myanmar’s transition to democracy and it is of the view that participation of all political stakeholders is important for the credibility of the electoral exercise that is to happen there.”

The voting process will unfold in three stages: the first on December 28, followed by the second on January 11, and the final phase on January 25.

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