Ballots and Bullets: Myanmar Holds First Military-Run Election in 5 Years
Myanmar holds its first military-ruled general election in five years on Dec 28, 2025. Amid civil war and a boycott by the NLD, the legitimacy of the vote remains highly contested.
The military is handing out ballots, but they're still holding the guns. On December 28, 2025, voters in Myanmar headed to the polls for the first phase of a general election held under the shadow of a brutal civil war. According to The Associated Press, this marks the first national vote in 5 years since the military ousted the elected government in 2021.
A Controlled Transition Amid Conflict
The election process is divided into three phases. Sunday's initial round took place in 102 of the country's 330 townships, mainly in areas under tighter military grip like Naypyitaw and Yangon. For the first time, officials deployed electronic voting machines in an attempt to modernize a process that critics label as a mere facade for continued army rule led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.
Opposition groups have called for a total boycott. The National League for Democracy (NLD), which won a landslide in 2020, was dissolved in 2023. Its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, currently serves a 27-year prison term. Amael Vier, an analyst for the Asian Network for Free Elections, noted that 73% of voters from the previous election now find their chosen parties non-existent or barred.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Response
The human cost of the post-coup era is staggering. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reports that over 7,600 civilians have been killed since 2021, while the U.N. estimates that 3.6 million people are displaced. A new Election Protection Law has effectively banned any public criticism of the polls, adding to an atmosphere of repression.
While Western nations maintain sanctions, the military hopes the election provides an 'out' for neighbors like China and Thailand to normalize ties under the guise of promoting regional stability. The second and third phases of voting are scheduled for January 11 and January 25, with final results expected by late January.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
President Zelenskiy unveils a new peace formula as 2025 ends. Amidst frozen front lines and Western pressure, the battle for Ukraine's future moves to the diplomatic table.
Myanmar's military junta began a restricted general election on Dec 28, 2025, amid an ongoing civil war. With 20% of voters disenfranchised, critics call the polls a 'sham' designed to cement military rule.
Explore why victims of Japan's Unit 731 bio-warfare remain unrecognized 80 years after WWII, while nuclear survivors receive global honors.
Taiwan's $37 billion defense spending package is frozen as the opposition-controlled legislature blocks the bill for the fourth time. Explore the political gridlock in Taipei.
President Zelenskiy unveils a new peace formula as 2025 ends. Amidst frozen front lines and Western pressure, the battle for Ukraine's future moves to the diplomatic table.
Myanmar's military junta began a restricted general election on Dec 28, 2025, amid an ongoing civil war. With 20% of voters disenfranchised, critics call the polls a 'sham' designed to cement military rule.
Explore why victims of Japan's Unit 731 bio-warfare remain unrecognized 80 years after WWII, while nuclear survivors receive global honors.
Taiwan's $37 billion defense spending package is frozen as the opposition-controlled legislature blocks the bill for the fourth time. Explore the political gridlock in Taipei.