Myanmar has been facing political turmoil since early 2021, when the military, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, seized power in a coup, overthrowing the democratically-elected government. The international community was quick to condemn the actions of the junta and calls for the restoration of democracy in the country have been ongoing. However, despite the global pressure, the junta seems determined to hold onto power and has now announced its plan to hold elections on December 28.
The junta-appointed election commission has declared that the voting process will begin on December 28, and this has been met with criticism and skepticism from the people of Myanmar and the international community. The critics believe that this is nothing but a ploy by the junta to legitimize their illegitimate rule and maintain their grip on power.
There has been widespread condemnation of this move, with many calling it a “sham” election. The junta has been accused of using this election as a means to give a false impression of democracy and to justify their coup. It is believed that the military will have complete control over the candidates and the voting process, ensuring that they remain in power.
But despite these criticisms, the junta-appointed election commission seems determined to go ahead with the elections. The question is, why? The answer lies in the junta’s ego and their fear of losing their grip on power. The coup was a calculated move by the military to maintain their dominance in the country. And now, holding these elections allows them to portray themselves as a legitimate government, which they are not.
The junta has also made several attempts to suppress the opposition in the country, arresting and detaining many pro-democracy activists and leaders. The elections, if held, will provide a platform for the junta to silence any opposition and continue their autocratic rule. This is a dangerous move that goes against the principles of democracy and the will of the people.
Myanmar’s people have been bravely protesting against the military junta since the coup and have shown their unwavering support for a return to democracy. These elections are an insult to their struggle and their demand for a civilian government. The people of Myanmar deserve a free and fair election that truly represents their voices, not one that is manipulated by the military junta.
The international community must not recognize these elections as legitimate and must continue to put pressure on the junta to restore democracy in Myanmar. The United Nations and other organizations have already condemned the coup and called for the release of all political prisoners. They must now take a strong stance against these sham elections and hold the junta accountable for their actions.
It is also essential for the people of Myanmar to continue their protests and resistance against the military junta. Their determination and courage have been an inspiration to the world, and they must not give up their fight for democracy. The road ahead may be difficult, but the people of Myanmar must stay united and stand strong against the junta’s attempts to silence them.
In conclusion, the junta-appointed election commission’s announcement of elections on December 28 is nothing but a smokescreen to legitimize their authoritarian rule. The international community must reject these elections and stand with the people of Myanmar in their fight for democracy. The people of Myanmar have shown that they will not back down, and we must continue to support them until true democracy is restored in the country.