Myanmar to hold election in 2025, top diplomat tells neighboring countries

​​​​​​​By Anadolu staff

Myanmar's top diplomat informed neighboring countries Thursday that the junta government plans to hold elections in 2025, according to a media report.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa told reporters in Bangkok that his Myanmar counterpart, Than Swe, told senior officials from five neighboring countries including China, Bangladesh and India that his country outlined a political roadmap and progress on election preparations, including a population census and the registration of 53 political parties, the Bangkok Post reported.

“He said there is an intention to invite foreign observers, such as from neighboring countries,” said Maris.

The meeting in Bangkok was attended by senior officials from Thailand, China, India, Bangladesh and Laos.

Another meeting with the foreign ministers and representatives of Myanmar's neighboring countries is scheduled for Friday which will be attended by some members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Myanmar has been embroiled in widespread conflict since a 2021 coup, with the junta facing significant resistance from ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces including the PDF, the NUG's armed wing.

UN experts earlier this month called for a "course correction" in the international response to the escalating crisis in Myanmar as the civilian death toll exceeded 6,000.

Last month, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced that his office is seeking an arrest warrant for Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing for the deportation and persecution of Rohingya Muslims.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid