Mid-March has been set by the junta as the target date for convening a new parliament; critics say the process lacks credibility and is designed to entrench military control following the 2021 takeover

The US extended sanctions against the military junta in Myanmar as well as financial and trade restrictions, citing the crisis following the 2021 coup still threatening regional stability, democracy and human rights

Union Solidarity and Development Party USDP with military-appointed seats secured enough seats to form a new government before the final phase of the junta-held elections concludes, amid widespread criticism of the process’s legitimacy

On 4 January Independence Day, Myanmar’s junta granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners but excluded most political detainees; Activists said the move was symbolic and failed to address the continued detention of opposition figures and protest leaders