Myanmar's military junta is proceeding with phased elections starting December 28, 2025, aiming to transfer power to a civilian government by April 2026. However, critics describe the polls as a "staged illusion" and "laundering military rule," citing widespread restrictions, cancelled voting in many areas, and the exclusion of major opposition parties like the NLD. While optimists hope elections could foster stability and a middle ground for negotiation, others view the process as a "dead end" that legitimizes continued military dominance amidst ongoing civil conflict.