Myanmar‍‍’s junta leader tells Russian media: Election may not be countrywide

Myanmar‍‍`s military junta may consider holding elections if peace and stability prevail, although the process might not be nationwide.

In an interview with Russia‍‍`s Tass news agency, as reported by Myanmar‍‍`s state media, General Min Aung Hlaing reiterated the military‍‍`s intention to transition back to democratic governance, despite ongoing challenges from various fronts of rebellion.

"If the state is peaceful and stable, we have a plan to hold the election in relevant sections as much as we can even if the election is not held nationwide under the law," stated General Min Aung Hlaing. The junta, citing the need for stabilization and combating what it terms as terrorists, has continually extended emergency rule every six months.

The military‍‍`s efforts to suppress militias and ethnic insurgents have led to significant displacement, with over 2.3 million people affected, according to the United Nations.

Critics and Western nations have raised concerns about the legitimacy of Myanmar‍‍`s electoral process, citing the dissolution of numerous parties since the coup and stringent regulations hindering the formation or challenge of military-backed proxies.