The deputy chairman of Russia's State Duma expressed support for the junta's election during a meeting with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on 30 May, 2023. Russia, a major arms supplier to Myanmar, joins China and India in offering assistance to the junta in organizing the election. China's ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, and India's ambassador, Vinya Kumar, separately met with the junta-appointed head of the Union Election Commission (UEC) on April 19 and 25 respectively to discuss the electoral processes of the new election. These developments raise concerns that China and India may be providing additional disguised support to the military regime.

The military justified its coup last year by alleging electoral fraud in the 2020 general election, which was won by the National League for Democracy (NLD). However, the coup was widely condemned, leading to nationwide protests and armed resistance against the regime. While the junta has announced plans for a "free and fair" election in 2023, many within Myanmar view it as a ploy to retain power. The proposed poll has faced rejection from foreign governments, including the United States, and certain members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG) has urged Asian democracies to reject the regime's election plans.

The junta's manipulation of election rules and the persecution of opposition parties, such as the NLD, further undermine the legitimacy of the proposed elections. Myanmar's military junta's planned elections will not lead to stability, and the international community should not have misplaced hopes that the results will bring about change.