Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar's military government, warned citizens that not voting in the December 28 election is equivalent to obstructing democracy, as opposition to the election surges dramatically.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar's military government, warned the public that refusing to vote amounts to rejecting "progress toward democracy," while Myanmar's political situation grows increasingly tense ahead of the military-led election scheduled for 28 Dec 2025, just days away.
Min Aung Hlaing’s remarks came last Saturday during his visit to Mague city to meet military officers and their families, amid a widespread boycott movement. The election commission under the military government faces serious difficulties mobilizing public participation, with many showing clear opposition to legitimizing military rule.
Previously, the military government tried to improve the situation by sending pro-military celebrities and influencers to newly recaptured towns in northern Shan State, such as Jok Mae and Nong Kio, to hold singing, dancing events, and campaigns encouraging people to vote. Meanwhile, Min Aung Hlaing and Deputy Senior General Soe Win toured key cities urging citizens to support candidates focused on security issues and able to work closely with the military.
After losing control over many areas, the military government planned the election in three phases: 28 Dec 2025, followed by 11 Jan 2026, and the final week of January. Fifty-seven parties are contesting, with the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party fielding the most candidates. It is widely predicted that Min Aung Hlaing may return as president, backed by military MPs and the Union Solidarity and Development Party. The constitution, drafted by the military, reserves 25% of parliamentary seats for the military automatically, so the party only needs 26% of votes to maintain power.
This election is held nearly five years after the 2020 coup, when the military annulled the general election results and overthrew the civilian government elected by the people, rendering the votes of over 27 million citizens void, despite international and domestic observers validating this election.
Source: Irrawaddy