The head of Myanmar’s military government has declared that Myanmar will hold a national census next month to compile voter lists for a general election and to analyze population and socioeconomic trends.

Due to the security situation, a comprehensive census, let alone a multiparty election, will remain a remote prospect for the foreseeable future.

The election has been widely derided as a sham, and unlikely to be recognised by the West. Myanmar’s shadow government suspects the junta will misuse census data.