Myanmar’s junta government plans to hold elections in 2025, the country’s foreign minister informed neighboring nations during a meeting on Thursday, according to media reports.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa disclosed in Bangkok that Myanmar’s Foreign Minister, Than Swe, outlined a political roadmap that includes conducting a population census and registering 53 political parties. The Bangkok Post reported that Than Swe also expressed intentions to invite foreign observers, particularly from neighboring countries, to monitor the electoral process.
The meeting, held in Bangkok, brought together senior officials from China, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Laos. A follow-up meeting on Friday will include foreign ministers and representatives from Myanmar’s neighboring countries, alongside members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 military coup, with the junta facing resistance from ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces, including the armed wing of the National Unity Government (NUG), the People’s Defense Force (PDF).
International concerns continue to mount over the crisis. UN experts recently urged a “course correction” in the global response as the civilian death toll surpassed 6,000. Additionally, the International Criminal Court is seeking an arrest warrant for junta chief Min Aung Hlaing for alleged crimes against humanity, including the persecution of Rohingya Muslims.
