politics
March 29, 2026
The Guardian view on Myanmar’s forgotten war: the military cosplay democracy but people demand the real thing
Five years of brutal conflict have made the army more determined to crush opposition, and others more convinced they must resist
TL;DR
- Myanmar's military junta is holding elections five years after seizing power in a coup, presenting a facade of civilian administration.
- The conflict has resulted in approximately 93,000 deaths and 3.6 million displaced people since 2021.
- The junta faces significant opposition, with democratic forces boycotting the elections and the military facing internal and external resistance.
- China and Russia are providing support to the junta, with concerns about the impact on regional stability and the intensification of drone attacks.
- International pressure, including sanctions, is crucial but needs to be continually tightened and sustained.
- Despite the ongoing conflict and exhaustion, civilians remain committed to democracy, with opposition-led administrations developing new constitutions.
- The international community must not ignore Myanmar's struggle or accept sham elections as a reason to ease pressure.
Continue reading the original article