Myanmar Election: Challenges and Prospects for Democracy

Myanmar’s election process has long been shaped by the country’s complex political history, marked by decades of military rule, brief democratic openings, and repeated setbacks. After gaining independence in 1948, Myanmar experienced parliamentary democracy for a short time before a military coup in 1962 placed the country under authoritarian control. For many years, elections were either absent or tightly controlled. A significant moment came in 2010, when the military-backed government organized a general election, though it was widely criticized for lacking fairness and transparency. The 2015 general election, however, was seen as a historic breakthrough, as it allowed the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, to win a landslide victory. This election raised hopes that Myanmar was finally moving toward a more democratic future, despite constitutional limits that still preserved strong military influence.

The 2020 Election and Its Aftermath Myanmar election

The 2020 general election was another major event in Myanmar’s political journey. Once again, the NLD won a decisive victory, securing a strong mandate from the public. International observers largely described the election as reflecting the will of the people, even though some concerns remained regarding voter inclusion and the disenfranchisement of certain ethnic minority groups. However, the military rejected the results, alleging widespread voter fraud without presenting credible evidence. This dispute culminated in the military coup of February 1, 2021, when the armed forces detained elected leaders and declared a state of emergency. The coup effectively nullified the election results and plunged the country into political crisis, mass protests, and violent repression.

The Role of the Military in Elections

One of the central issues in Myanmar’s elections is the powerful role of the military, constitutionally known as the Tatmadaw. Under the 2008 Constitution, the military is guaranteed 25 percent of parliamentary seats, giving it veto power over constitutional amendments. This arrangement means that even during periods of civilian-led government, full democratic control has never truly existed. The military also controls key ministries such as defense, home affairs, and border affairs, further limiting the authority of elected officials. As a result, elections in Myanmar operate within a framework that inherently restricts democratic outcomes. This structural imbalance has been a major obstacle to building public trust in the electoral system.

Impact on Society and Ethnic Minorities

Elections in Myanmar have significant implications for the country’s diverse population, which includes numerous ethnic and religious minorities. Many minority groups have long felt excluded from political decision-making, and in some regions, elections have been canceled due to conflict or security concerns. The Rohingya Muslim population, for example, was largely denied voting rights in recent elections, drawing international criticism. These exclusions highlight deeper issues of citizenship, identity, and equality that elections alone cannot resolve. Without inclusive participation, elections risk reinforcing existing inequalities rather than addressing them.

Prospects for Future Elections

Since the 2021 coup, the military authorities have repeatedly promised to hold new elections, but these plans have been met with skepticism both domestically and internationally. Ongoing conflict, the arrest of political opponents, restrictions on media, and the weakening of independent institutions raise serious doubts about whether future elections can be free or fair. Many citizens view proposed elections under military rule as a tool to legitimize continued control rather than a genuine return to democracy. For elections to regain credibility, Myanmar would need substantial reforms, including the release of political prisoners, restoration of civil liberties, and a reduction of military power in politics.

Conclusion

The story of Myanmar’s election process is one of hope repeatedly challenged by entrenched authoritarian structures. While elections in 2015 and 2020 demonstrated the public’s strong desire for democratic governance, the military’s intervention showed how fragile those gains were. Elections in Myanmar cannot be viewed in isolation; they are deeply connected to constitutional design, civil-military relations, and long-standing social divisions. Until these underlying issues are addressed, elections are likely to remain contested and incomplete expressions of the people’s will rather than true foundations of democracy.