CNI News
30 September 2025
The upcoming election could resolve Myanmar’s political and military conflicts, said U Khin Yi, Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), on September 28, 2025.
However, analysts caution that while elections can help address such conflicts, they are not a “cure-all” solution like a medicine that heals every illness, and achieving complete peace ultimately depends on people themselves.
U Khin Yi stated that the USDP has the means to handle and resolve Myanmar’s ongoing political and military crises.
“Our country has suffered long enough because of ego-driven politicians who see others as enemies, creating violence and conflict. This has damaged the hopes and future of all our people and spread fear and anxiety for a long time. I firmly believe that the upcoming general election on December 28, 2025, will put an end to all of this.”, he said.
Political party leaders meeting with the UEC
Yet, some armed groups—including PDFs, NUG, CRPH, and NUCC—have announced they will not recognize the election and intend to disrupt it, even threatening action against those who participate.
As a result, many domestic and international observers worry the election could trigger not peace but further conflict.
Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, Chair of Yangon Watch, told CNI News that although elections are necessary, they cannot resolve all of Myanmar’s political and military problems:
“The election is essential for the country, but it is not a medicine that can cure all diseases. What it will bring is a governing system, one based on democracy and federal democracy, as envisioned in the 2008 Constitution, guaranteeing citizens’ rights. But right now, because it’s still a military government, those rights are restricted. An election can partially meet the country’s needs. Still, military-affiliated interest groups are too powerful in Myanmar. Only if all groups reduce their self-interests can the military situation ease. If the new government prioritizes national reconciliation instead of revenge, political and military conflicts may gradually lessen.”
Candidate numbers for the election
USDP Central Executive member U Hla Thein also told CNI News that while elections can resolve conflicts, total peace cannot be guaranteed:
“Elections can certainly help address political and military conflicts. But in reality, it’s a tug-of-war between the will of the people who want elections and the destructive will of those who don’t. In some places, conflicts may still break out. The government has invited all political parties to participate fairly. Still, complete peace depends on people’s attitudes. If extremists and hardliners cling to their positions, conflict will remain. But for those who want their voices heard, they can run as candidates, win, and raise their concerns in parliament.”
According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), 57 political parties and independent candidates have submitted a total of 4,963 candidates to contest in the upcoming election, as announced on September 23, 2025.
Among them, the USDP has fielded 1,018 candidates; the National Unity Party (NUP) 694; the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) 672; the Myanmar Farmers Development Party 428; the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party 584; and the People’s Party 512, among others.
