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Myanmar's Election: A Sham to Legitimize Military Rule

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. election-a-sham-to-legitimize-military-rule.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 5:36 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
      Locales: MYANMAR, THAILAND

The Context: A Nation Under Military Rule

The current political landscape is a direct consequence of the 2021 military coup that ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD). Since then, Myanmar has been embroiled in escalating conflict, marked by resistance from ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and pro-democracy groups, coupled with a devastating humanitarian crisis.

A Carefully Constructed Illusion of Legitimacy

The planned election represents the junta's attempt to regain international acceptance and diminish the pressure it faces. However, numerous factors undermine any claim of a credible or fair electoral process. Restrictions on opposition parties, limitations on freedom of expression, and widespread disenfranchisement all contribute to the perception of a rigged system designed to favour the military.

Dr. Nicholas Cheesman, a leading Myanmar expert at the Australian National University, succinctly describes the election as "really a way for them to try and project an image of stability and normality, but it doesn't reflect the reality on the ground." This sentiment is echoed by other observers, who see the process as a strategic maneuver to maintain the junta's grip on power, rather than a genuine transition to democracy.

Key Obstacles to a Free and Fair Election

Several significant barriers prevent the election from being considered legitimate. Firstly, the military has systematically disqualified prominent opposition figures, including key members of the NLD, effectively silencing significant voices and limiting voter choice. This deliberate exclusion further highlights the biased nature of the process. Secondly, millions of citizens will be unable to vote due to ongoing conflict. Voting will be unavailable in numerous regions experiencing active fighting, a deliberate tactic that effectively disenfranchises large segments of the population and solidifies military control over areas where support might be less certain.

Richard Horsey, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, emphasizes this point: "The junta is manipulating the electoral process to maintain its grip on power." This manipulation extends beyond candidate selection and geographical restrictions; the overall environment severely curtails freedom of expression and political assembly, creating an uneven playing field that disadvantages any potential opposition.

The Resistance Continues

The military's reliance on a staged election underscores its inability to achieve victory through conventional military means. As Dr. Cheesman notes, the junta is attempting to "win through political means," a clear indication that its military strategy is faltering in the face of sustained resistance. The ongoing clashes with EAOs and pro-democracy groups demonstrate the deep-seated opposition to military rule and render any hope of a unified or peaceful political resolution through the election highly improbable.

Uncertainty and International Scrutiny

The timeline for the election remains precarious, with intense fighting across the country creating considerable uncertainty. The decision to proceed with the election on schedule hinges on the junta's ability to control the situation and maintain a semblance of order, a challenge given the escalating conflict.

Furthermore, international pressure remains a critical factor. The election's outcome, and whether it leads to a reduction in international sanctions and condemnation, is a key area of observation. As Mr. Horsey points out, "International pressure is still really important in holding the junta accountable." The global community's response to the election will likely play a significant role in shaping Myanmar's future trajectory, although widespread consensus suggests that recognizing the legitimacy of the election would legitimize the military's actions and undermine the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people.