Myanmar’s junta government has formally requested Bangladesh to send election observers for its upcoming national elections, marking the first such polls since the February 2021 military coup.

According to diplomatic sources, Myanmar recently sent a formal letter to Dhaka through official channels, seeking the deployment of Bangladeshi observers during the elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development on Thursday.

The first phase of voting is set for December 28, 2025, followed by the second phase on January 11, 2026. However, sources in Dhaka indicated that Bangladesh is unlikely to respond positively, viewing the junta’s invitation as an attempt to legitimize its military-controlled election through international participation.

Myanmar’s state media reports that around 55 political parties have registered to take part in the polls, including nine with nationwide presence. However, key opposition groups — notably Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) — have declared a boycott, calling the election a “sham” designed to consolidate the power of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

This election will be the first national vote organized by the military regime since it ousted the elected government nearly five years ago, a move that plunged the country into widespread unrest and international isolation.

BOB Post