Why is Myanmar’s junta holding an election during a civil war?

January 13, 2026 3:01 PM

Why is Myanmar’s junta holding an election during a civil war?

Myanmar's military-led government is holding a phased general election amid a civil war convulsing large areas of the Southeast Asian nation. WHY IS MYANMAR HOLDING AN ELECTION? The military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 2021 coup, just as it was preparing for a second term in office following a landslide election win months before. The generals promised to restore the democratic system and accused Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy ...

Myanmar’s junta says Malaysia to send observers for contentious polls

October 10, 2025 2:39 PM

Myanmar’s junta says Malaysia to send observers for contentious polls

Malaysia will send observer teams for Myanmar's contentious general election, set to be held in phases from December 28, state media said on Friday, a day after talks between the leader of the ruling junta and Kuala Lumpur's top diplomat. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a 2021 military coup that overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered an armed rebellion that has led to large parts of the country slipping out of the junta's control. "He advised that the election sho...