Myanmar Prepares for Controversial Census Amid Continuing Conflict

Myanmar's military government plans to conduct a nationwide census in October to prepare for next year's election. The census, viewed skeptically by the international community, is believed to be a strategy for the junta to consolidate control amid ongoing armed resistance and political unrest following the 2021 coup.

Myanmar's military government will conduct a nationwide population and household census in October, according to state media on Monday, setting the stage for a promised election next year amidst widespread conflict. Data collected between October 1-15 will be utilized to hold a general election next year, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing announced on Sunday.

'The census can be used in the compilation of correct and accurate voter lists, a basic need for successfully holding a free and fair multi-party democratic general election,' stated Min Aung Hlaing in a televised speech. However, the proposed election has already faced widespread criticism as a sham and is unlikely to gain recognition from Western nations. Numerous parties, including the dominant National League for Democracy (NLD), have been disbanded for failing to register.

Since the military ousted the popular administration of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, Myanmar has been in turmoil. Suspected electoral fraud was cited as justification for the coup, but many NLD politicians and former leaders have remained critical of the junta's claims. The coup has sparked widespread armed resistance, forming the most significant challenge to military authority in decades.

(With inputs from agencies.)