Myanmar launched the second round of voting on Sunday (January 11) since the military overturned the elected government in February 2021. This nationwide election is seen as a crucial step by the military government in rebuilding political order in the complex security situation, but its legitimacy continues to be questioned.
According to official arrangements, voting started in 100 townships across the country at 6 a.m. local time, covering areas including Yangon, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, and Tanintharyi, as well as parts of Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah, and Kayin states. Many polling areas have experienced clashes between the military and opposition forces recently.
Due to the unstable security situation, the election is divided into three stages. The first round was completed in 102 townships on December 28, 2025, with the final round scheduled for January 25, but 65 townships are excluded due to ongoing conflicts.
Myanmar has a bicameral parliament with a total of 664 seats. The party obtaining a majority can elect the president and form a new government. However, according to the constitution, the military automatically retains 25% of the seats in both chambers. Critics point out that such a system inherently limits the fairness of the elections.
The military ousted former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and has since been governing under the pretext of “restoring order.” It is widely believed that this election is aimed at seeking legitimacy for military rule.
In major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, voters cast their ballots at schools, government institutions, and religious places. Associated Press reporters visiting multiple polling stations found that voter turnout was significantly lower compared to the 2020 general election, with some stations having only a few scattered voters.
The military government claims that there are over 24 million eligible voters nationwide, a decrease of about 35% from 2020, and asserts that over 6 million people participated in the first round of voting with a voter turnout of around 52%.
In terms of party competition, although 57 parties and over 4,800 candidates ran for office, only a few parties have national influence. The first-round results showed that the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party held a decisive advantage in the lower house and local councils.
Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy did not participate in the election. Aung San Suu Kyi is currently serving a 27-year sentence, and the party was forcibly dissolved in 2023 for refusing to re-register under new regulations.
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Tom Andrews recently called on the international community to reject recognizing this “sham election,” highlighting the continued detention of numerous political prisoners, the purging of opposition parties, and restrictions on press freedom.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, over 22,000 people have been detained for political reasons since 2021, and more than 7,600 civilians have died in security force operations. The protests that erupted following the military takeover have escalated into armed conflicts that have yet to be resolved, casting doubt on the election’s outlook and outcome.