Myanmar junta hits back at criticism of military-run poll

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Myanmars junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun (centre) speaking at a press conference in Yangon on Dec 14.

PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Yangon - Myanmar’s military government lashed back on Dec 14 at international criticism that branded

upcoming elections

The junta

snatched power in a 2021 coup

The military government is overseeing phased polls set to start on Dec 28, pledging a return to democracy and a chance to end the fighting.

However, international democracy monitors have described the vote as an exercise in rebranding military rule, while the United Nations, Britain and Thailand have said it will be neither free nor fair.

“The election is being held for Myanmar,” junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told a rare news conference in Yangon. “It is not being held for the international community.”

“Those who want to criticise may criticise,” he said. “We, however, will proceed to achieve our original objective, which is to return to a multi-party democratic system.”

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing declared martial law and has governed the country as military chief since the coup in February 2021.

He ended emergency rule this summer, passing power to the presidency in the run-up to the long-promised polls. He also occupies that office as acting president.

Asked whether the military chief could have political aspirations after the vote – expected to take around one month – Mr Zaw Min Tun