Myanmar Plans Population Census Ahead of Election

Myanmar's military government has announced a nationwide population and household census scheduled for October 1-15, as a precursor to a controversial election promised for next year. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing claims the census data will help compile accurate voter lists necessary for a free and fair election. However, the election is widely criticized as a sham, with many political parties, including the dominant National League for Democracy (NLD), disbanded for not registering to run, following the military's coup in February 2021. This coup, which ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, has resulted in significant unrest and armed resistance against the junta. While China has expressed support for the junta's census efforts, the military's control over Myanmar remains tenuous, with substantial areas of the country under opposition influence. The international community, particularly Western nations, is unlikely to recognize the legitimacy of the forthcoming election.