Statement by the International Republican Institut...

Washington, D.C. - The International Republican Institute (IRI) is deeply concerned by the Burmese military junta's sham "elections" scheduled to begin on December 28, 2025, and urges the international community to reject them.

Since their 2021 coup, the junta has dismantled democratic institutions, criminalized political activity, and displaced millions through state-sanctioned violence. It has excluded legitimate political actors-many of whom remain unjustly imprisoned-from these "elections," undermining hopes for a free or fair vote.

This sham electoral process blatantly ignores the will of the Burmese people, who continue to strive for a return to democracy and an end to military rule. IRI stands with the Burmese people and calls for an immediate cessation of state-sponsored violence, the unconditional release of political prisoners, and the full restoration of fundamental freedoms.