With tensions escalating and international observers sounding alarm bells, Myanmar’s military government has set the date of these sham elections for December 28, 2023. The ruling junta has been touting these elections as a move towards the middle path of national reconciliation. Too often it is viewed as a compliance strategy. They feel it gives legitimacy to the wider control imposed since the February 2021 coup.
The news follows a warning, delivered just one day earlier by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He warned that the elections are likely to deepen instability in Myanmar. Guterres highlighted the risk of further escalation in a country where simmering tensions have led to violent crackdowns and daily brutality. Controversy surrounding the election process has sparked much doubt, especially from opposition parties and human rights advocacy groups.
Election Context and Participation
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has decided against sending observers to monitor the election, reflecting the broader international consensus regarding the legitimacy of the process. Voting will be impossible in nearly one of seven national parliament constituencies. Unfortunately, many of these communities are still situated within today’s active war zones. This decision calls into question the ability of any state to have a viable fair electoral process.
In protest against the illegitimate regime, dozens of opposition parties—including the NLD—have decided to boycott the elections. The army-appointed Union Election Commission has directed the dissolution of rival parties. These parties have historically been the biggest obstacle to military rule. Despite this, fifty-seven parties have already registered to contest the next election.
“This election means nothing to me” – AFP news agency
The opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is even more closely aligned with the military. They’re on track to win well over half of the seats. Many citizens express apathy regarding the elections. As one man displaced by the ongoing fighting said, “We are not much interested. In a larger city such, a 60-year-old resident of the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe expressed his disappointment, “This election isn’t important in any way.
International Reactions
In response, critics from across the world have decried the forthcoming elections. Human Rights Watch went further, describing the entire electoral process as a “sham.” They highlight that it fails to meet basic principles for a free and fair ballot. Likewise, the European Commission has excluded deploying observers, pointing to doubts regarding the electoral process’ legitimacy.
The junta’s initiative to hold elections has been widely interpreted as an attempt to strengthen its grip on power while providing an illusion of democratic governance. Observers are concerned that this new façade will not do enough to address the long-running humanitarian crisis. They worry it may exacerbate tensions across the nation.
Ongoing Instability
Campaigning technically started only two months in advance of election day. Now, most are wondering if these elections can really lead to peace, democracy and national reconciliation in Myanmar. Dissent has been growing as military operations continue to expand across the country. Citizens are simply not going to trust any political maneuvering that appears intended only to provide cover for the continuation of military rule.
