Myanmar Military Chief Calls for Security Boost Ahead of Elections

Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 15:53 GMT by The Daily Star
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Myanmar's military chief has called for increased security for political party members and candidates as a newly formed interim government proceeds with a planned election in December and January that has been dismissed in the West as a sham.

Myanmar's Military Chief Urges Security Enhancements Amid Plans for Elections in Conflict-Ridden Nation

In a significant address amid Myanmar's escalating civil strife, the country's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has called for a substantial bolstering of security measures as the junta prepares to hold long-promised elections. This development comes against the backdrop of a nation torn apart by violence since the military's February 2021 coup, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup sparked widespread protests, which were met with brutal crackdowns, evolving into a full-scale armed resistance involving ethnic armed groups and newly formed People's Defense Forces (PDFs). The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, mass displacements, and a humanitarian crisis that has drawn international condemnation.

During a recent meeting with military officials and security personnel, Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and reinforced defenses to ensure the smooth conduct of the proposed polls. He argued that stabilizing the security situation is paramount for restoring what he described as "multi-party democracy" in Myanmar. The military regime, officially known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has repeatedly floated the idea of elections as a pathway to legitimacy, despite widespread skepticism from both domestic opponents and the international community. Critics argue that any vote under current conditions would be neither free nor fair, given the junta's suppression of dissent, arbitrary arrests, and control over the electoral process.

Min Aung Hlaing's remarks highlighted specific threats to the electoral process, including insurgent activities in various regions. He pointed to the resistance forces' gains in northern and western Myanmar, where ethnic armies like those from the Karen, Kachin, and Chin communities have intensified their offensives against junta positions. In recent months, coordinated attacks by the "Three Brotherhood Alliance"—comprising the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army—have captured key territories, including border towns and trade routes, severely undermining the military's authority. The general urged his forces to prioritize counter-insurgency operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and secure polling stations to prevent disruptions. He also stressed the importance of public participation, claiming that elections would allow the people to choose their leaders and end the cycle of violence.

The call for a security boost is not isolated; it reflects the junta's broader strategy to consolidate power amid mounting challenges. Since the coup, the military has declared a state of emergency, extended multiple times, and promised elections under a new electoral law that favors pro-military parties. The regime has dissolved Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), which won a landslide victory in the 2020 elections, and imprisoned its leaders on various charges. Min Aung Hlaing has justified these actions by alleging widespread fraud in the 2020 vote, claims dismissed by independent observers. The proposed polls, tentatively eyed for 2025 or later, would operate under a proportional representation system designed to dilute the influence of opposition groups.

However, the feasibility of holding credible elections in a war-torn country remains questionable. Vast swathes of Myanmar are under the control of anti-junta forces, with fighting raging in states like Shan, Sagaing, and Rakhine. The United Nations has reported over 2.5 million people displaced internally, and humanitarian access is severely restricted. International aid organizations have documented atrocities, including airstrikes on civilian areas, extrajudicial killings, and the use of torture by junta forces. The economic fallout has been devastating, with inflation soaring, foreign investment fleeing, and a black market economy thriving amid sanctions imposed by Western nations.

Min Aung Hlaing's push for security enhancements also underscores internal pressures within the military. Reports suggest morale is low among troops, with desertions and defections rising as resistance groups gain ground. The general has called for unity and discipline, warning that any lapses could jeopardize the nation's sovereignty. He referenced the need to protect Myanmar's borders, particularly from alleged foreign interference, though he provided no specifics. This rhetoric aligns with the junta's narrative of defending national integrity against "terrorist" elements, a label it applies to all opposition forces.

The international response to these developments has been mixed. ASEAN, of which Myanmar is a member, has attempted mediation through its five-point consensus plan, but progress has been minimal due to the junta's non-compliance. The United States, European Union, and other Western powers have imposed targeted sanctions on military leaders and affiliated businesses, while calling for the release of political prisoners and a return to civilian rule. China and Russia, meanwhile, have maintained closer ties with the regime, providing diplomatic support and arms, which has complicated efforts for a unified global stance.

Opposition figures, including those in exile, have denounced the election plans as a sham. The shadow National Unity Government (NUG), formed by ousted lawmakers and activists, has vowed to continue the armed struggle and has garnered some international recognition. Ethnic armed organizations, long marginalized under previous regimes, see the current chaos as an opportunity to push for federalism and greater autonomy, further fragmenting the political landscape.

In his address, Min Aung Hlaing also touched on economic recovery, linking security to development. He claimed that stabilizing the country would attract investment and revive sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which have been crippled by the conflict. However, analysts argue that without genuine reconciliation and an end to hostilities, any electoral exercise will only perpetuate division. The military's history of manipulating polls—evident in the flawed 2010 elections under the previous junta—fuels doubts about the process's integrity.

As Myanmar grapples with this precarious juncture, the military chief's call for a security boost signals a determination to press ahead with elections despite the odds. Yet, with resistance forces showing no signs of relenting and the humanitarian toll mounting, the path to polls appears fraught with peril. The coming months will likely see intensified military operations, potentially escalating the violence and further isolating the regime on the world stage. For the people of Myanmar, caught between authoritarian rule and armed rebellion, the promise of democracy remains elusive, overshadowed by the harsh realities of a nation in turmoil. This situation underscores the deep-seated challenges in achieving peace and stability in one of Southeast Asia's most troubled countries, where the military's grip on power continues to clash with aspirations for freedom and self-determination. (Word count: 928)

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Myanmar Military Chief Calls for Security Boost Ahead of Elections

Myanmar's Military Chief Urges Security Enhancements Amid Plans for Elections in Conflict-Ridden Nation