The Myanmar military junta, officially known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has once again extended the state of emergency it imposed following the February 1, 2021 coup, prolonging its grip on power for another six months. This latest extension, announced on January 31, 2025, comes as the nation marks the fourth somber anniversary of the military’s seizure of power, shattering a decade of fragile democratic progress and plunging the country into a protracted and devastating civil war. The junta’s stated justification for the extension centers on the need for stability and peace to ensure a “free and fair” general election, a claim met with widespread skepticism and condemnation both within Myanmar and internationally.
The junta’s insistence on holding elections, while simultaneously waging a brutal campaign against its own people, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the planned elections are a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize military rule and install a puppet civilian government, effectively maintaining the generals’ dominance through proxies. The junta’s actions have further exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, with widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a desperate need for assistance affecting millions across the country. The United Nations has repeatedly called for dialogue and a shift away from the prevailing “zero-sum mentality” among the warring factions, but the junta remains resolute in its pursuit of an electoral process widely deemed illegitimate.
The military’s violent crackdown on dissent following the coup has fueled a nationwide resistance movement, transforming peaceful protests into armed rebellion. The junta’s relentless use of deadly force against civilians, including peaceful demonstrators, has resulted in widespread condemnation and sanctions from international bodies and governments. Numerous pro-democracy activists, journalists, and politicians have been arrested, imprisoned, or killed, further stifling any remaining space for political dialogue and peaceful resolution. Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratically elected leader overthrown in the coup, remains under house arrest, facing a series of politically motivated charges.
The junta’s planned election faces significant hurdles. The ongoing conflict has displaced a substantial portion of the population, making voter registration and participation extremely challenging, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Moreover, the junta has banned or dissolved numerous political parties opposed to military rule, effectively silencing dissenting voices and creating an uneven playing field. The remaining parties willing to participate in the election are largely seen as aligned with the military, further undermining the credibility of the electoral process. This constrained political landscape raises serious doubts about the fairness and inclusivity of the planned election, casting a long shadow over its legitimacy.
Opposition groups, including the National Unity Government (NUG) – a shadow government formed by elected lawmakers ousted in the coup – have vowed to disrupt the election and have called on the international community to reject its outcome. They argue that an election held under these circumstances cannot possibly reflect the will of the people and would only serve to entrench military rule. The international community, including many Western nations, has largely echoed these concerns, expressing skepticism about the junta’s commitment to a genuine democratic transition and urging the release of political prisoners and a return to the path of democratic reform.
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar continues to deepen, with millions displaced and facing acute food insecurity. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted access to essential services, including healthcare and education, exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable populations. International aid organizations are struggling to reach those in need due to ongoing fighting and restrictions imposed by the junta. The UN has repeatedly called for increased humanitarian access and urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The junta’s continued intransigence and its prioritization of maintaining power over the well-being of its citizens have further aggravated the humanitarian crisis, raising fears of a further deterioration in the already dire situation. The international community faces a complex challenge in balancing the need to provide humanitarian assistance with the imperative of not legitimizing the junta’s actions.
