International Community Responds to Junta’s Sham Election
Regarding the upcoming junta’s electoin, the New Zealand Parliament passed a motion stating that the election planned to be held by Myanmar’s junta is neither free nor fair and should not be recognised.
Labour Party MP Phil Twyford, who proposed the motion, pointed out that major opposition parties are excluded, the vote will not cover the whole country, and the junta has passed laws that allow people to be arrested simply for criticising the election.
He described the upcoming vote as a sham election created only to win international legitimacy for the junta. The Parliament also urged China, Russia, and India countries that continue to support the junta – to immediately stop providing money, technology, weapons, and other assistance to a military that is killing its own people. [1]
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced on 5 November that they do not recognize the military junta’s election, as it fails to meet standards of transparency, freedom, inclusiveness, and credibility, and will only be held in areas controlled by the military. [2]
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also stated at a press conference in Geneva that a free and fair election cannot be held at a time when widespread bombings and human rights violations are occurring. He mentioned that the Myanmar military has arrested and killed opposition members and journalists, conducted airstrikes on civilians, and completely restricted all civil space, adding that Myanmar’s situation unfortunately does not receive adequate media attention. [3]
U.S. congressional members from both houses urged the Trump administration not to recognize the election manipulated by the military in Myanmar. They pointed out that the election is merely a sham supported by China and an act that would legitimize the 2021 coup. [4]
The European Parliament also adopted a resolution on 27 November, rejecting the election to be held by the military junta and recognizing only the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) as the legitimate representatives of the Myanmar people. [5]
Meanwhile, the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have issued warnings that the Myanmar military junta is committing more international crimes and acts of repression during the pre-election period. The election planned by the junta is filled with threats and violence, and due to the continued detention of over 30,000 political prisoners and the banning of political parties, instability and repression within the country are likely to worsen further, as pointed out by OHCHR spokesperson Jeremy Laurence. [6]
Pope Prays for Myanmar IDPs
At a prayer service held in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Rome on 5 November, Pope Leo called on the international community to provide needed assistance to war-affected people in Myanmar.
Pope Leo also expressed concern for the people of Myanmar who are suffering from armed conflicts, forced displacement, and lack of basic resources.
Pope Leo had previously called for a ceasefire between Myanmar’s military and revolutionary forces at a prayer service held on 19 October. [7]
India Begins Border Fencing
The Indian government has started constructing a border fence along the India-Myanmar border in the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region, with work beginning after 10 November.
Analysts suggest this is due to armed conflicts and territorial disputes along the border, as well as recent increased cross-border activities by NSCN-K and Kachin groups on the Indian side. NSCN-K is also attempting to unify eastern Naga (Naga Self-Administered Zone) and western Naga (Nagaland).
On 15 October, NSCN-K crossed the border and attacked an Indian Assam Rifles camp in Arunachal Pradesh with drones, and on 20 October, the Indian military bombed the home of NSCN-K General Phee Aung in Lahe Township, Naga region, with drones.
Following these ongoing border issues, the Indian government has proceeded with the border fence construction. [8]
US Government Forms Special Task Force to Combat Scam Rings
The US government formed a Scam Center Strike Force on November 12 to combat online scam operations in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar.
This special task force has conducted operations on two online scam centers in Myanmar and is working with Thai Royal Police to eliminate scam centers at KK Park in Myanmar. The task force has seized over $400 million in digital currency obtained from scams and will return it to victims and has begun working to seize an additional $80 million in stolen funds. It is estimated that Americans lose about $10 billion per year due to these scams. [9]
As part of this operation, the US Department of Treasury announced sanctions on November 12 against four leaders of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) from Myanmar, as well as a Thai national who owns Thailand-based companies Trans Asia and Troth Star.
The announcement states that online scam centers related to scam operations are based at KK Park near Myawaddy, Karen State, and at Tai Chang and Huanya compounds, with some centers receiving security from DKBA.
Most workers at these centers are trafficking victims who have suffered torture and abuse, according to those who have been freed. The Tai Chang compound was established by DKBA’s Colonel Saw Kyaw Hla and Thai national Chamu Sawang (also known as Yu Jianjun), director of Trans Asia company based in Mae Sot, Thailand, and was sanctioned due to connections with Chinese criminal gangs. [10]
Following the US government’s actions on the scam issue, the BGF raided scam and fraud operations in Shwe Kokko new city Myawaddy, under orders from the military council, and arrested a total of over 900 foreigners from 22 countries between November 18-20, with the majority being Chinese nationals. [11]
U.S. Policy Changes and Sanctions
During a 19 November hearing on Myanmar in the U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers agreed that the United States should approach the Myanmar issue with a new, more effective strategy beyond the current pragmatic approach.
This hearing was the largest congressional hearing on Myanmar in over four years since the military coup, and Myanmar advocates expressed hope that it could yield positive results for the Myanmar revolution. In addition, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed on 1 December the ‘No New Burma Funds Act’ bill aimed at cutting off new financial support to the military council and suspending new financial commitments. The bill was led and introduced by Georgia Representative Nikema Williams and California Representative Young Kim, and if supported by the Senate, it will only require President Trump’s signature to become law. [12]
The U.S. government announced on 27 November that it will review Green Cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries, including Myanmar. The decision followed a 26 November incident in Washington, D.C., in which an Afghan national fatally shot two National Guard members. [13]
Regional & Diplomatic Moves
From 25 to 30 November, Indonesia separately invited Myanmar revolutionary forces and the military council side to Jakarta for workshops sharing experiences in nation-building. Representatives from revolutionary groups including NUG, NUCC, CRPH, KNU, CNF, RCSS, SSPP, and PNLO attended, and a NUCC member confirmed that there was absolutely no meeting with the military side. [14]
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that the junta’s election cannot be free and credible, and called for the immediate humanitarian release of 80-year-old democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under detention. The Thai Foreign Minister also noted that even after this election, ASEAN will continue to face difficulties in re-engaging with Myanmar. [15]
Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 28 November that the Finnish embassy in Yangon will be closed in 2026. In addition to the Yangon embassy, Finland will also close its embassies in Islamabad, Pakistan, and Kabul, Afghanistan. These closures are due to restructuring the overseas mission network, concentrating resources in strategically important countries, changes in the political situation, and trade restrictions. [16]
[1] New Zealand Parliament decides to issue statement rejecting junta’s election, People’s Spring, 5 November 2025
[2] France announces non-recognition of junta’s election, DVB, 10 November 2025
[3] UN says election held amid bombings will not be free and fair, DVB, 10 November 2025
[4] US lawmakers rrge Trump admin not to recognize military-manipulated election, People’s Spring, 28 Nov 2025
[5] European Parliament resolves to reject, not recognize Myanmar election, People’s Spring, 27 Nov 2025
[6] IIMM says junta committing serious international crimes as it prepares for election, DMG, 26 Nov 2025
[7] Pope Leo calls on international community to provide needed assistance for Myanmar’s war-affected people, Narinjara, 6 November 2025
[8] India begins border fence construction in Naga region, KNG, 18 November 2025
[9] US forms special task force to combat scam operations, DVB, 14 November 2025
[10] US imposes sanctions on 4 DKBA members and 1 Thai national due to scam operations, DVB, 13 November 2025
[11] Over 900 foreigners from 22 countries arrested in three-day raid on Shwe Kokko new city, BVJ, 21 November 2025
[12] US House of Representatives approves bill to cut financial support to junta, People’s Spring, 2 Dec 2025
[13] US to review green card holders from 19 countries including Myanmar, DVB, 28 Nov 2025
[14] Indonesia hosts separate workshops with Myanmar resistance groups and junta reps, Mizzima, 3 Dec 2025
[15] Thailand says Myanmar election lacks freedom and credibility, Mizzima, 26 Nov 2025
[16] Finland to close embassy in Yangon, DVB, 30 Nov 2025