Myanmar's military leaders have launched a census ahead of a general election they promise to hold next year. But the country is mired in conflict, and the number of displaced citizens runs into the millions.

State media said on Tuesday the population and household count will run through October 15. It's reportedly underway already in Yangon, the capital Naypyitaw and other areas.

The junta took power in a coup more than three years ago, and Myanmar has been under a state of emergency ever since.

Still, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing insists the census is essential for a free and fair general election.

But pro-democracy forces believe that would not be the case. A senior member of the National Unity Government says the military's leaders will somehow use the data for their own gain.

More than three million people have been internally displaced since the junta's power grab, raising doubts about the accuracy and point of a census in the first place.