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 votes amid civil war, junta chief down plays presidential role

December 28, 2025 10:19 AM

Myanmar votes amid civil war, junta chief down plays presidential role

Overshadowed by civil war and doubts about the credibility of the polls, voters in Myanmar were casting their ballots in a general election starting on Sunday, the first since a military coup toppled the last civilian government in 2021. The junta that has since ruled Myanmar says the vote is a chance for a fresh start politically and economically for the impoverished Southeast Asian nation. But the election has been derided by critics - including the United Nations, some Western countries and...