Pakistan, Oct. 16 -- Myanmar's ruling military junta has officially acknowledged that it will be unable to conduct nationwide elections as planned, citing widespread conflict and instability across the country. The general elections, scheduled to begin in late December, were initially presented as a key step toward political restoration. However, with civil war still raging, many regions remain outside the junta's control, casting serious doubt on the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the vote.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing made the admission during a televised address from Naypyitaw, stating that the polls "cannot be held everywhere 100%." He added that by-elections would later be organized in regions where voting cannot initially take plac...