Myanmar’s ruling junta has shared with neighboring countries its intentions to conduct elections next year, despite the intensifying civil unrest, potentially including the involvement of international observers as part of its plans. This update was confirmed by Thai officials on Thursday.
This week, Thailand is organizing two distinct regional meetings focused on Myanmar. The first gathering includes the participation of Myanmar’s five neighboring countries, such as China, Bangladesh, and India. This will be followed by a meeting on Friday involving certain members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc.
During Thursday’s meeting, Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe presented a political roadmap that included steps toward election preparations, such as conducting a population census and registering 53 political parties.
According to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Than Swe mentioned plans to invite foreign election observers from neighboring countries, marking a rare instance of the Myanmar junta sharing detailed plans with the international community.
Myanmar has faced significant turmoil since the military coup in early 2021, which overturned an elected civilian government, leading to widespread civil unrest and an armed resistance.
Meanwhile, the junta is pressing forward with plans to hold elections in 2025 despite the ongoing strife, economic downfall, and the banning of numerous political entities. The plan faces widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a superficial gesture lacking genuine democratic intent.
The response from Myanmar’s regional neighbors to these election plans has been mostly positive, according to Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, who stressed a collective desire for resolving the crisis swiftly, with Myanmar asserting its openness to inclusive political dialogues.
While neighboring countries advocate sustained engagement with Myanmar’s junta, Thai officials reiterated that ASEAN’s ‘Five Point Consensus’ peace initiative remains pivotal in striving for conflict resolution.
ASEAN members, including current chair Laos and Malaysia, which will assume the chairmanship in 2025, along with Thailand, are scheduled to convene in Bangkok on Friday to deliberate further at the ASEAN level.
