As we mark the fifth anniversary of Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021, the country remains gripped by repression, conflict and economic despair.
The recent “election” held between December 2025 and January 2026, widely denounced as a sham, has only solidified the junta’s hold on power while exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe. For trade unionists and human rights advocates, this moment underscores the urgent need for international solidarity, including stronger sanctions to cut off the military’s lifelines. Myanmar Campaign Network and Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA continue to support Myanmar’s workers and communities through like-minded partnerships, but the path to justice demands global action.
Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing staged multi-phase elections to portray a return to civilian rule, but the voting did not comply with even the most basic democratic norms:
- It occurred in only about 263 of 330 townships, excluding vast areas controlled by resistance forces.
- The National League for Democracy (NLD) and other major opposition parties were banned from participating, with many leaders arrested under draconian election protection laws that criminalised criticism of the electoral process.
- The electoral proxy f of the Military Junta, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), secured a sweeping victory, claiming most seats in both houses of Parliament.
- UN, Human Rights Watch and the US State Department have labelled the polls a sham, designed to entrench military dominance rather than restore democracy.
- Under Myanmar’s 2008 constitution, the military automatically reserves 25% of parliamentary seats, ensuring veto power over any reforms.
- The junta conducted over 408 aerial attacks during the voting period, killing many civilians.
- Even in townships where voting was permitted, polls were met with boycotts and protests, reflecting widespread rejection by the Myanmar people.
How Myanmar stands after the elections
Post-election, junta leader Ming Aung Hlaing has positioned himself as chair of the newly formed State Advisory Council while retaining his role as Commander- in Chief, allowing him to control the so-called government. This manipulation has dashed hopes that the vote might lead to moderation instead of perpetuating the oppression of civilians, trade unionists and advocates for free speech.
Families injured by air strikes in Karen State. Photo: Myanmar Now.
Five years post-coup, Myanmar’s economy is in freefall. The Myanmar currency “Kyat” has depreciated to about one-quarter of its pre-coup value, compounding a nearly 20% economic contraction since 2021. Poverty has surged, with millions facing food insecurity. Desperate citizens are turning to illicit economies, including drug trafficking and online scams, due to the collapse of legitimate opportunities.
Politically, the mess is just as bad. The junta is hell bent on stifling dissent with hundreds arrested under election laws. The military’s atrocities, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, continue unchecked. Meanwhile, at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, hearings concluded on January 29, 2026, in the genocide case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar over the 2017 Rohingya massacres. Rohingya survivors testified to highlight killings, sexual violence, and denial of citizenship acts aimed at destroying the group. A ruling is expected later this year, which could advance accountability.
ASEAN stance
ASEAN has maintained its 5-point consensus (5PC) adopted in April 2021 as the framework for addressing Myanmar’s crisis. The plan calls for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, and humanitarian access. Post-election, ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed the 5PC during the meetings in Cebu, Philippines, on Jan 29, refusing to recognise the junta’s polls without progress on these fronts. Some members, such as Thailand, floated “calibrated engagement” if violence decreases, but the bloc emphasised non-recognition for now, prioritising ASEAN Charter norms, including democracy and human rights.
Despite this, the 5PC’s implementation has been limited, with the junta ignoring calls for dialogue. ASEAN’s ban on military leaders at summits since 2022 persists, but fragmentation within the bloc, with neighbours like Laos and Cambodia more sympathetic to the regime, complicates a unified response. The Myanmar people urge the international community to reject the sham results and push for genuine talks, including the NUG and ethnic groups.
Calls to action
The people of Myanmar are calling on the world to reject the junta’s fraudulent elections and impose targeted sanctions to starve the regime of resources.
Sanctions are vital to halt funds, arms equipment and jet fuel fuelling attacks on civilians and unionists. In February 2024, Australia took steps to sanction entities such as the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and the Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB). But more is needed, as Australia must lead the harmonisation of sanctions with partners to target state-owned enterprises in the natural resources sector, including Myanmar Economic Bank (MEB), Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE), and Myanmar Gems Enterprise (MGE). These entities fund the junta’s atrocities, and closing loopholes will prevent circumvention.
Myanma Campaign Network, with Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, stands with Myanmar’s trade unions who face arrests and violence for demanding rights. We urge supporters to contact Australian leaders to escalate sanctions and recognise the civilian administration. 5 years on, Myanmar’s struggle for democracy endures, international solidarity can tip the balance toward justice.
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