Myanmar Junta Forms Election Commission

Myanmar's military junta has formed an election commission led by military chief Min Aung Hlaing, who will also serve as interim president, raising concerns over the credibility of the country's first planned vote since the 2021 coup.

Myanmar’s ruling military junta has formally established an 11-member commission to oversee a planned national election, with Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing appointed to lead the body while also serving as interim president. The announcement was made through state-run media on Thursday, confirming that the country’s powerful military chief will continue to hold both military and executive authority as the electoral process unfolds.

Though no specific election date was disclosed, Min Aung Hlaing has suggested the vote may be held in December, which would mark Myanmar’s first national election since the military seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted the elected civilian government and plunged the country into widespread civil conflict. Since then, the junta has faced strong resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups, while thousands of political opponents have been jailed or forced into hiding.

Human rights organisations and opposition figures have swiftly raised concerns over the credibility of any vote conducted under military rule. They argue that holding elections while continuing to suppress dissent, censor the press, and wage military campaigns across various regions undermines any claim to democratic legitimacy. Critics view the move as an attempt by the junta to entrench its control while projecting a façade of democratic transition to the international community.

As the security situation in much of the country remains volatile, many believe the junta is seeking to solidify its power rather than initiate meaningful political reform. The military's continued hold on both the political and security apparatus has cast serious doubt on whether the proposed election can be considered free or fair by international standards.