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December 8, 2025

Myanmar’s Upcoming Elections

December 8, 2025

After several years of violent conflict and severe rule, Myanmar’s governing military junta, which overthrew the democratically elected government in 2021, is holding elections on December 28, 2025. There are over 3.5 million internally displaced people and 20 million people who need humanitarian aid; the UN Security Council will conduct a private convening to discuss the ongoing violence, repression, and instability, as well as the upcoming elections. The military government is preventing political opponents from running through detention, intimidation, and banning political parties. Voting citizens are facing pressure from both the government to vote and non-government armed groups to abstain. The government recently removed voting in 1,585 villages, citing elections held in those areas would not be free or fair. The December elections are widely viewed to be an opportunity for the military junta to secure more power than to uphold democratic values. The articles below provide an overview of what to expect from the elections and the opportunity, or lack thereof, for democracy and peace to grow in the country.

December 6, 2025: “Myanmar citizens head to early polls in Bangkok,” The Hindu

December 4, 2025: “Myanmar: Private Meeting,” Security Council Report

November 28, 2025: “UN warns Myanmar’s planned elections will deepen repression and instability,” UN News

October 27, 2025: “Elections a Fraudulent Claim for Credibility,” Human Rights Watch

August 18, 2025: “Myanmar’s military government announces elections for December 28,” Al Jazeera

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.