International Rejection & Diplomatic Pressure
On 17 December, South Korean National Assembly members issued a statement strongly condemning the illegal election planned by the Myanmar military junta to maintain its grip on power.
This declaration was released following a meeting on 11 December between the National Unity Government (NUG) Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and the South Korean lawmakers. While the lawmakers protested the military’s human rights violations and urged the restoration of democracy, Myanmar activists in Korea remarked that such overt support provides significant morale to the revolution. [1]
ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the regional bloc will monitor and assess the post-election situation but will refrain from granting early official recognition to any entity. These remarks were made on 30 December, following the first phase of the election on 28 December, where the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed a overwhelming victory.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister noted that ASEAN will conduct its assessments systematically, prioritizing the reduction of violence and preventing further internal division. He also confirmed that ASEAN leaders are seriously considering paths toward an inclusive and credible political process. [2]
Simultaneously, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is leading new efforts to secure the release of Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as the junta prepares for its sham elections. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) demanded her release in response to the junta’s attempt to legitimize its rule through elections that exclude the opposition. The Foreign Secretary emphasized that the UK will not accept any political process that ignores the will of the Myanmar people and will continue to press for the release of democratically elected leaders. [3]
James Kariuki, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, told media ahead of a closed-door UN Security Council meeting on 22 December that the junta’s election would likely incite more violence and hinder a sustainable solution. He added that the election lacks any signs of being free or fair.
In addition, he reaffirmed that the UK stands firmly with the people of Myanmar who desire a peaceful, inclusive democratic future. Following requests from the UK and South Korea, the Security Council will keep Myanmar on its agenda, while the UK Ambassador urged the military to immediately cease terrorist acts, including airstrikes against civilians. [4]
Election Execution and Controversial Observers
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated in an NHK interview in Tokyo that Thailand plans to send an observer to the general election scheduled by the junta later this month.
He noted that while the election announced by the junta’s Union Election Commission to begin on 28 December may not be perfect under current conditions, it could serve as a starting point for progress toward a peace process.
However, this decision comes as ASEAN has opted not to send observers out of concern it would legitimize a process that excludes pro-democracy groups. The Foreign Minister clarified that the move is not intended to grant legitimacy but is a necessary engagement with a neighboring country. [5]
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mr. Nikorndej Balankura reported that the Thai Embassy monitored approximately 50 polling stations in Yangon, Bago, Pathein, and Tachileik during the first phase on 28 December.
The embassy team will continue to act as observers in subsequent phases. He reiterated Thailand’s commitment to working constructively with Myanmar to promote peace and mutual interests for the people of both nations. [6]
Representatives from China, Russia, Vietnam, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Cambodia arrived in Yangon on 25 and 26 December to observe the junta’s election. Notably, these are nations known for suppressing political opposition.
Additionally, India sent a monitoring team led by a retired general. In a process rejected by ASEAN, the presence of these authoritarian observers is viewed by many as an attempt by the junta to gain a veneer of legitimacy. [7]
Major international news outlets, including the BBC, Reuters, AP, AFP, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera, reported that the Myanmar junta forcibly held the first phase of the election despite a lack of public support. They highlighted that the election is merely an attempt to extend military rule without opposition.
The Straits Times noted that Myanmar citizens consider the process illegitimate and are boycotting it, while Al Jazeera pointed out it is being held amidst airstrikes and conflict. The Guardian added that imprisoning Daw Aung San Suu Kyi while holding elections is simply a move to prolong the dictatorship. [8]
On 29 December, the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) called on the international community to resolutely oppose the junta’s sham election to prevent further phases from proceeding.
SAC-M pointed out that the first phase was a tactic to distract from military atrocities. Consequently, the council noted that the extremely low voter turnout due to public boycotts was an embarrassment for the junta.
The executive director of SAC-M further argued that Min Aung Hlaing should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity rather than being viewed as a political actor. [9]
Humanitarian Crisis & Human Rights Violations
On 19 December, a total of 209 domestic and international organizations issued a joint statement calling for effective action against the junta following the 10 December bombing of Mrauk-U Public Hospital.
The attack killed over 30 civilians and injured 77 others. Moreover, the statement noted that the military committed further war crimes in seven Arakan townships, including a 11 December bombing in Kyaukpyu. The organizations urged ASEAN, the EU, and international governments to move beyond mere condemnation and impose effective penalties. [10]
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that over 12 million people in Myanmar could face emergency levels of hunger by 2026. The WFP statement highlighted that increasing conflict and rising displacement are severely exacerbating the food crisis for the people of Myanmar. [11]
The European Union announced on 18 December that it will provide €29 million in humanitarian and development aid for conflict-affected people in Myanmar and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
This aid comes as fighting intensifies. Specifically, €15 million is earmarked for humanitarian aid within Myanmar to address hunger and the breakdown of services, while €14 million will support Rohingya refugees and host communities in neighboring countries. [12]
Accountability for Genocide & Removal of Propaganda Platforms
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague will hold hearings from 12 to 29 January 2026, regarding the genocide case against the Myanmar military. According to the ICJ, the plaintiff,
The Gambia, will present its arguments from 12–15 January, while the Myanmar military will present its defense from 16 – 20 January. Notably, witnesses will be examined over three days in closed-door sessions to ensure their safety. [13]
Tech giants including Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and MediaFire have removed junta-affiliated media and propaganda accounts.
According to Justice For Myanmar (JFM), these accounts were directly managed by the junta’s Ministry of Information. Specifically, Amazon-owned Twitch shut down 14 radio channels.
However, JFM noted that enforcement remains inconsistent; while Facebook removed the English-language MITV account, YouTube has so far refused to do so. JFM continues to urge companies like Apple, Google, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to take more effective action against junta propaganda. [14]
[1] South Korean lawmakers condemn junta’s election, DVB, 17 Dec 2025
[2] ASEAN to assess post-election situation; no immediate recognition, DVB, 31 Dec 2025
[3] UK Foreign Secretary calls for release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Mizzima, 29 Dec 2025
[4] UK warns junta’s election will drive further violence, People’s Spring, 23 Dec 2025
[5] Thailand plans to send election observer: Foreign Minister, Mizzima, 21 Dec 2025
[6] Thai Embassy monitored 50 polling stations in 4 townships, DVB, 31 Dec 2025
[7] Authoritarian nations observe junta’s election, Shan News, 27 Dec 2025
[8] International media report junta’s forced election, DMG, 29 Dec 2025
[9] SAC-M urges resolute opposition before further election phases, DVB, 30 Dec 2025
[10] Over 200 groups call for effective action against junta’s war crimes committed, DVB, 20 Dec 2025
[11] Food security worsens in Myanmar conflict zones, DVB, 18 Dec 2025
[12] EU to provide €29 million for Myanmar and Rohingya, DVB, 19 Dec 2025
[13] ICJ to hold genocide hearings in January, BVJ, 22 Dec 2025
[14] Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, MediaFire remove junta propaganda accounts, People’s Spring, 19 Dec 2025