YANGON, Myanmar: A top Myanmar general has announced plans for a national census to be conducted in October, as reported by state media on Tuesday. Despite ongoing challenges and areas of unrest, the military-led government is pushing forward with its agenda.
The military junta, which seized power in a coup in 2021, has justified its actions by alleging widespread fraud in the 2020 elections, which were won decisively by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). Now, the military is aiming to conduct a national census as a precursor to future elections, potentially in 2025.
During a visit to Yangon, Junta number two Soe Win emphasized the need for preparations to be made for the population and household census scheduled from 1 to 15 October 2024. Details regarding the census preparations in Yangon were discussed, although specifics were not provided.
Last October, the junta initiated a pilot census in selected areas, including the military-built capital Naypyidaw and regions such as Mandalay and Bago. However, critics fear that the census will be exploited to monitor opponents of the coup, including civil servants, doctors, and teachers who have been boycotting work in protest.
Myanmar continues to grapple with internal conflict, marked by frequent bomb blasts, targeted killings, and clashes between the military and anti-coup factions. The military’s control over certain regions remains tenuous, leading to the activation of a conscription law in February.
While the United States has condemned the junta’s plans for elections as a “sham,” Russia has expressed support for the military’s initiatives. Analysts warn that any elections held under the junta would likely escalate violence and deepen political divisions within the country.
As Myanmar navigates through a period of political turmoil, the proposed national census raises questions about its implications for the future political landscape and the ongoing struggle for democracy in the country.
