BANGKOK (AP) — At the annual Armed Forces Day celebration held in Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirmed the junta’s plans to conduct a general election by the end of 2023. He called on opposition groups engaged in armed resistance against the military to participate in party politics and the electoral process. Aung Hlaing's speech was directed to more than 7,000 military personnel present, as they stood at attention during a parade, which included a review of troops and aerial displays from fighter jets.
The military’s takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government on February 1, 2021, has faced significant opposition and has led to armed conflicts throughout the country. The ruling military initially promised an election to restore democracy but has continuously delayed the voting date. The planned general election is perceived as an attempt to legitimize the military’s authority and maintain control through electoral means, despite ongoing resistance from the public and opposition groups.
In his address, Aung Hlaing sought to justify the coup by reiterating unfounded accusations against Suu Kyi’s government, claiming it failed to investigate alleged irregularities from the November 2020 election. He emphasized that his government would conduct "a free and fair election" and would transfer power after the elections. However, the deteriorating security situation, where the military is thought to control less than half of the country, poses significant challenges for conducting any elections.
Critics have expressed doubts regarding the military-led electoral process, asserting that there will be no freedom in the media or a fair political competition, especially as many leaders from Suu Kyi’s popular National League for Democracy party remain detained. Suu Kyi herself is currently serving a total of 27 years in prison on politically motivated charges described as unjust by various human rights organizations.
The 80th anniversary of Armed Forces Day commemorates the start of Myanmar’s military campaign against Japanese occupation during World War II, highlighting the military's long-standing narrative of nationalism. Earlier this month, during a visit to Belarus, Aung Hlaing announced the planned timeframe for the election, indicating that 53 political parties had already submitted candidates to participate. Reports about the specific dates for the election remain vague, with possibilities ranging from late December to early January.
Moreover, as part of the events surrounding Armed Forces Day, state-run MRTV television announced that Aung Hlaing granted amnesty to seven foreign prisoners, which included four Thai detainees from Kawthaung who are set to be deported. Announcements of prisoner amnesty around state or significant religious holidays are not uncommon within the country, although details surrounding the circumstances of the Thai fishermen's capture by Myanmar's navy remain unclear.
