The military regime in Myanmar, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is preparing to implement a nationwide census from October 1 to 15, according to state media reports. This data collection is part of the junta's plans to facilitate a general election scheduled for the following year, amidst ongoing conflicts throughout the nation.

During a meeting, Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the importance of the census for generating accurate voter lists essential for a legitimate democratic process. However, the upcoming election is already being criticized as a façade, particularly as several political parties, including the formerly dominant National League for Democracy (NLD), have been disbanded for not meeting registration requirements. The military's takeover in February 2021, which ousted the popular government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has led to intense unrest, characterized by protests that escalated into armed resistance against the military.

The junta has claimed that 27 of the registered parties do not support the ongoing insurgency against them. Despite these claims, they struggle to maintain effective control over the country, having lost authority in areas covering about 86% of the territory home to 67% of the population, as noted in a recent report by the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar.

In response to a call for conscription to bolster its diminished forces, many young citizens have fled abroad. Additionally, during a meeting with Min Aung Hlaing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi offered technological support for the planned census and the junta's objective of conducting what they term an "all-inclusive election."

Conversely, the National Unity Government (NUG), formed by former lawmakers and opponents of the junta, has urged the international community to reject both the census and the election, labeling them as tools for the junta to gather information that could be used to intimidate the population. Their spokesperson, Kyaw Zaw, articulated concerns over the junta's alleged intentions to orchestrate a deceptive electoral process under the guise of data collection.