Post by : Meena Ariff

Myanmar’s general election is underway, but the most powerful figure shaping the process is not among the candidates. Military leader Min Aung Hlaing, despite his absence from ballots and campaign posters, continues to cast a long shadow over the country’s political landscape.

The 69-year-old general has ruled Myanmar since early 2021, when the armed forces removed the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover triggered nationwide protests that soon escalated into a brutal and prolonged conflict.

Over the past few years, violence has spread across large parts of the country, forcing millions of people to flee their homes. Entire communities have been displaced, and humanitarian conditions have sharply deteriorated. Several border regions have slipped out of the military’s control, with resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations gaining ground.

Despite the ongoing instability, the military administration has pushed ahead with elections, describing them as a step toward political stability. However, critics argue that the vote is tightly controlled and designed to reinforce military dominance rather than reflect the will of the people.

Min Aung Hlaing’s influence is evident in every aspect of the process — from security arrangements to political participation. Key opposition figures remain detained, and restrictions on political activity continue, raising serious concerns about the credibility and fairness of the election.

For many citizens, the polls offer little reassurance amid continued fighting and economic hardship. As voting progresses, Myanmar’s future remains uncertain, with real power resting in the hands of a leader who is not formally contesting the election but remains central to the nation’s fate.

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