In Myanmar, the ruling military authorities, namely, the State Administration Council, projected the 2026 elections  as a move toward political normalisation. In reality, the polls occurred during a worsening civil war, forced migration and severe political repression. Massive chunks of the country’s territory remained beyond effective control of the state (the Tatmadaw), major opposition forces had refused to participate, and millions were deprived of their vote by insecurit

In February 2021, the Myanmar military, known as Tatmadaw, seized control from the civilian government after the defeat of its affiliated...