Naypyitaw: Myanmar’s military regime is facing deep public distrust despite its efforts to host peace talks and prepare for elections at the end of this year. Many citizens believe that neither true peace nor a free and fair election is feasible under the current junta’s rule.

According to Global Voices, the junta’s recent Peace Forum, concluded on June 27 in Naypyitaw, was attended by representatives from political parties registered for the junta’s elections, selected ethnic groups, diplomats, and international guests from countries such as China, India, Thailand, and Russia. Despite these efforts, military offensives and airstrikes have continued across the country, targeting regions controlled by groups like the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

In parallel with the peace forum, the regime is accelerating its election preparations, with plans to amend the Union Election Commission Law to allow government staff to chair all election bodies. However, skepticism remains high among the populace. A former teacher from the Sagaing Region who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement after the 2021 coup expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the upcoming election, suggesting it would likely be confined to areas under the regime’s control.

Reports from the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) reveal that the military regime controls only 107 out of Myanmar’s 330 townships, about 32 percent of the country. Yet, the junta’s election body claims voting will be conducted in 267 townships, subject to security conditions.

There is widespread concern that the junta’s proxy party will win the election, facilitating the continuation of military rule under the guise of legitimacy. Of the 77 parties registered with the junta’s election body, 54 have been approved to participate, including the military’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party. In contrast, the National League for Democracy (NLD), Myanmar’s most popular party, has been dissolved, with its leaders imprisoned.

The election has faced condemnation as a sham by international bodies and entities, including UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews, Western governments, and pro-democracy factions. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has advised the junta to prioritize resolving the ongoing civil conflict over conducting an election.

A young man who fled to Thailand to escape mandatory military conscription expressed his lack of trust in the election process, fearing fraudulent vote counting. A factory worker from Yangon echoed similar sentiments, stating her refusal to participate in an election she perceives as neither free nor fair.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Myanmar reported on June 27 that an estimated 3.5 million people are internally displaced due to ongoing armed conflicts. As of July 4, at least 6,863 individuals opposing the junta have been killed, and 29,367 detained, as per the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

In a bid to protect the upcoming election from disruptions, the military regime is drafting a special law aimed at suppressing dissent and discouraging opposition to the election. However, public opposition persists, with many citizens from regions like Sagaing, Magwe, and Tanintharyi denouncing the vote as a facade.