CIVICUS discusses Myanmar’s upcoming election with Nyein, a human rights advocate and researcher with the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma). ALTSEAN-Burma is a regional network established in 1996 to promote human rights, democracy and justice in Myanmar through training, resource development and international advocacy. It serves as a bridge between grassroots activists and international forums, ensuring that local perspectives reach decision-makers.
Myanmar’s military junta plans to hold a general election in 2025, four years after deposing the elected civilian government. While the regime frames this as democratic progress, opposition groups rightly reject it as a cynical attempt to legitimise military rule. The 2024 census was met with violent resistance, with attacks on census workers underscoring the junta’s limited control of territory. Critics anticipate the election will be similarly marred by violence, particularly targeting those associated with the military. Despite the regime’s claims that it will ensure security during the election, its control is demonstrably weakening, leading many to predict its eventual collapse.