UN Expert Urges UK to Rally Global Opposition to Myanmar Junta’s Sham 2025 Election
A United Nations expert has pressed the United Kingdom to spearhead worldwide resistance against Myanmar’s military junta’s planned general election, slated to begin on December 28, 2025, and extend into January 2026. Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, warned that the polls represent a “sham” designed to fabricate legitimacy amid rampant violence, political repression, and civil war following the 2021 coup. The appeal, issued on December 11, 2025, highlights the UK’s role as UN Security Council penholder, urging outreach especially to Asian governments to coordinate a unified denunciation.
This comes as the junta pushes forward with voting for Amyotha Hluttaw and Pyithu Hluttaw seats, despite boycotts from key opposition groups like the National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic armed organizations. No international observers from reputable bodies are expected—only from allies like Belarus, China, and Russia while recent arrests for anti-election social media posts underscore the repressive climate.
Core Concerns Over Election Legitimacy and Violence Risks
Andrews emphasized that the election risks entrenching junta control rather than restoring democracy, with an “atmosphere of fear, violence, and deep political repression” pervading the nation. Since January 2023, resistance forces have targeted election-linked figures, labeling cooperators as “accomplices of high treason,” while the military has detained critics in regions like Magway. Analysts note logistical chaos: by-elections in conflict zones, limited voter access in ethnic territories held by groups like the Chin National Front and Karen National Union, and no projected turnout figures amid widespread intimidation.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) echoed this in a December 10 webinar with 54 participants, deeming the polls a tool to legitimize military rule post the dissolution of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). Crisis Group described the vote as a bid for “one-sided” approval, potentially escalating the humanitarian crisis where millions face displacement and aid blockages.
Key Challenges Highlighted
- Boycotts and Conflict Zones: NUG, Kachin Independence Organisation, and others reject participation outright.
- Observer Absence: Limited to junta allies, barring neutral monitoring.
- Repression Surge: Arrests for Facebook posts; rising gender-based violence.
UN Rapporteur’s Direct Call to UK Leadership
In a pointed statement, Andrews urged: “I urge the UK Government to proactively reach out to other Governments, especially those in Asia, to ensure they do the same. A strong, coordinated rejection… is essential to deny the junta the means to fabricate credibility.” He criticized the UN Security Council’s “fallen short” response and noted stalled UK sanctions since October 2024, alongside shrinking civilian protection routes.
UK Senior Human Rights Officer Charles Kent, in November 2025 remarks, voiced alarms over junta-perpetrated gender-based and sexual violence, advocating “inclusive dialogue and mutual trust building” for Rakhine State humanitarian access. The OHCHR press release reinforced UK leadership as “imperative” amid deepening crisis.
International and Regional Reactions Build Pressure
Western powers have consistently opposed the process: In March 2023, the US, EU, UK, Japan, France, Germany, and Australia condemned the NLD’s dissolution, with the US and Germany forecasting no free or fair outcome and warning of violence spikes. ASEAN has withheld support post-coup, citing instability, while petitions like Action Network’s demand global governments, UN, and EU denounce the “sham,” halt assistance, and skip observers.
Diaspora actions amplify calls: Sydney rallies by Aung San Suu Kyi supporters on December 13 branded the election a “ploy” to entrench power. Security Council plans a private Myanmar meeting this month, per reports. No direct junta rebuttals surfaced, though they frame polls as stabilizing amid civil war.
Human Rights Watch documented arbitrary detentions, aligning with Andrews’ fears of escalation. Ethnic armed groups’ territorial control further undermines feasibility.
Stances by Key Players
- Western Allies: US/Germany predict unfairness, violence risks.
- ASEAN: Critical, no pledged backing.
- Petitions/Diaspora: Public rejection campaigns gaining traction.
Broader Context of Myanmar’s Post-Coup Turmoil
The 2025-26 election follows the 2021 coup that ousted the NLD, sparking nationwide resistance and fragmenting control. Junta backers China and Russia provide diplomatic cover, contrasting Western isolation efforts. Vision of Humanity noted humanitarian fallout: Ongoing conflict hampers aid, with polls unlikely to resolve divisions.
ICJ and OHCHR warn non-recognition could prevent junta normalization, preserving space for genuine transition. Analysts see military aims in domestic consolidation and global nod-seeking, despite low participation odds.
Implications for Global Diplomacy and Myanmar Future
Andrews’ UK-focused plea positions London as pivotal in countering junta narratives, potentially via coordinated statements and sanctions revival. A unified front could deny legitimacy, bolstering opposition like the NUG. As first-phase voting nears, risks of unrest loom large without intervention.
This episode underscores Myanmar’s entrenched crisis, where elections serve geopolitical flashpoints. Western coordination, per Andrews, offers a pathway to pressure, though junta resilience persists amid allies’ support. Outcomes may shape Security Council dynamics and regional stability.
