Myanmar's military-controlled Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced plans to permit domestic and international observers to monitor the country's forthcoming general election, scheduled for 2025. UEC Chairman U Ko Ko made the announcement during a meeting with political parties at the commission's office in Naypyidaw on December 7.

He emphasised the commission's commitment to transparency, stating that observers would be allowed to monitor various aspects of the electoral process, including adherence to election laws, procedures, and the handling of complaints. This approach mirrors the 13 observation points permitted during the 2015 general election, a practice that was restricted in the 2020 election.

The chairman also addressed the status of political parties, revealing that 53 parties are currently registered, with one additional party under verification. He urged these parties to establish offices and organise membership in compliance with the Political Parties Registration Law, which requires such preparation at least 90 days before election day.

In line with efforts to enhance transparency, the UEC launched a website and mobile application on November 22, detailing findings of electoral fraud and unlawful acts from the 2020 general election. The platform is accessible in five languages including English, Chinese, Japanese and Russian as well as the local Burmese.

Chairman U Ko Ko reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to holding a credible election and establishing a dignified Hluttaw under state leadership. He also emphasised the importance of qualified members of parliament and called on political parties to select and train capable candidates.

The meeting was attended by members of the UEC, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration and Population, personnel from the UEC Office, as well as leaders and representatives from the 53 political parties.

Popular parties and opposition groups reject the election despite these assurances. The National League for Democracy (NLD), Myanmar's most popular and electorally successful political party, has been effectively barred from participating in the upcoming election. More than 1,500 NLD members have been jailed since the February 1, 2021, coup, and the party has been de-registered by the junta-appointed UEC.

The parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and various Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), which have been actively participating in the Spring Revolution against military rule, have also rejected the legitimacy of the planned election.

Meanwhile, the junta has attempted to secure ceasefire agreements with ethnic armed groups, with support from China, particularly in northern Shan State and Kachin State. However, other areas remain highly active and tense, with intensified fighting between military forces and opposition groups reported. The junta's efforts to broker peace come as it continues to lose territory following setbacks including Operation 1027 in 2023. The military's diminishing control has further complicated its plans to hold what many critics describe as a "sham election."

Neighbouring countries such as China and India have been assisting the regime with the electoral process. In August 2024, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, expressing China's readiness to support Myanmar's election. The junta's announcement to allow election observers comes amid widespread scepticism about the credibility of the upcoming polls given the exclusion and imprisonment of key political figures and parties.

As a result, the international community remains watchful of Myanmar's electoral developments and the potential implications for the country's political future. The ongoing conflict and questions surrounding the election’s legitimacy underscore the challenges facing the junta as it seeks to consolidate power in a deeply divided nation.