Myanmar schedules nationwide elections

Myanmar will hold nationwide elections in December, raising concerns among critics about the credibility of the poll. Observers warn that the military-planned election in a country still embroiled in civil conflict is unlikely to be free or fair.

The absence of a free media and the arrest of most leaders from Aung San Suu Kyi’s dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD) party have intensified fears of a heavily controlled electoral process. Analysts say these conditions severely limit political competition and voter choice, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the results.

International human rights groups have already condemned the upcoming election, calling for safeguards to protect citizens’ rights and ensure transparency in the vote.