Myanmar’s military junta is once again promising elections as a pathway out of national crisis. After more than three years of civil war, economic collapse and state fragmentation, the regime led by Min Aung Hlaing claims that a vote can restore order and legitimacy. In reality, the proposed election risks deepening the conflict, entrenching military rule under a civilian disguise and exposing the failure of regional diplomacy — particularly by ASEAN and Myanmar’s immediate neighbors. Since the February 2021 coup, Myanmar has ceased to function as a unified state.

The ruling junta says the heavily restricted polls are a return to democracy but critics are wary

Myanmar’s military junta is once again promising elections as a pathway out of national crisis. After more than three years of civil war, economic collapse and state…