Silence at the Polls: Myanmar Holds First General Election Since 2020

The ballots are out, but the streets are quiet. Myanmar’s military regime is holding its first general election in five years on December 28, 2025, a move they claim is a step toward stability. However, anti-regime forces and many citizens have dismissed the process as a meaningless sham.

A Nation Divided by the Ballot

Turnout is expected to plummet as voters across major cities like Yangon engage in 'silent defiance.' According to Reuters, while the military has tightened security, the lack of enthusiasm at polling stations suggests a deep-seated rejection of the regime's attempt at legitimization.

The lead-up to the election has been marred by legal crackdowns and violence. Authorities have charged more than 200 individuals with violating voting laws. Meanwhile, resistance groups have reportedly detained at least one candidate, highlighting the volatile security situation as the civil war continues.

Stability or Theatrical Legitimacy?

The military regime insists that the 2025 polls are a return to constitutional order. However, critics point out that with large swaths of territory still under resistance control, the election is fundamentally incomplete. Some reports suggest the military has recently recaptured territory to facilitate voting, yet the conflict remains widespread.