In comments published on Monday, Myanmar’s junta chief conceded that the country may not be able to hold its next election nationwide, citing the military’s challenges in containing escalating violence against its rule. This admission reflects the growing struggle faced by the military in maintaining control amidst mounting resistance and unrest.
The military, which has been in power since a coup three years ago, still planned to return the country to democratic rule, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing told Russia’s Tass news agency, according to a transcript of an interview carried by Myanmar’s state media.
The acknowledgment of potential limitations on holding nationwide elections underscores the severity of the situation, suggesting that the military’s ability to govern and conduct elections is increasingly compromised by the intensifying opposition. The admission also raises concerns about the stability and legitimacy of the electoral process in Myanmar, as the junta grapples with ongoing unrest and resistance to its authority. The remarks by the junta chief highlight the complex and volatile political landscape in Myanmar, characterized by deepening divisions and escalating violence, which continue to pose significant obstacles to the country’s democratic transition and stability.
