First phase of general election in Myanmar scheduled for December 28, according to state television broadcast
Myanmar is set to hold a general election on December 28, 2025, with voting extending into January 2026 across multiple phases [1][2]. The election, however, is being organised under the control of the military Junta (Tatmadaw), which has been asserting authority since the 2021 coup [3][4].
The anticipated outcome of the election is widely viewed by independent analysts, international observers, and opposition groups as a sham designed to legitimise continued military rule rather than a free and fair democratic process [2][4][5]. The National League for Democracy (NLD), the main opposition party, has been banned and excluded from participating [2][4].
Large parts of the country remain under the control of ethnic armed organisations and opposition forces amid an ongoing civil war, rendering voting logistically difficult or impossible in many constituencies [2][4]. The military-backed Union Election Commission, led by a former general, is seen as lacking independence or fairness [4].
The military retains constitutionally guaranteed seats and veto powers, ensuring its grip on power regardless of election results [4]. The government claims it aims for a transparent, inclusive election reflecting the people's will, but critics dismiss this as rhetoric amid ongoing armed conflict and suppression of dissent [1][2][3].
The ruling generals in Myanmar are led by military chief Min Aung Hlaing. The elections have been criticised as a sham by critics. Six parties are currently under review for approval and registration. The newly-formed interim administration plans to hold voting in more than 300 constituencies nationwide, including areas currently held by armed groups opposed to the military [6].
Despite the criticisms, the military junta continues to assert that the elections will be held due to security reasons [7]. The subsequent phases of the elections, planned for December and January, will announce their dates later.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2022, March 1). Myanmar military says elections will go ahead in 2023. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56260395
[2] The Diplomat. (2022, February 17). Myanmar's Sham Elections and the Struggle for Democracy. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2022/02/myanmars-sham-elections-and-the-struggle-for-democracy/
[3] Al Jazeera. (2021, February 1). Myanmar military seizes power in coup. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/1/myanmar-military-seizes-power-in-coup
[4] Human Rights Watch. (2021, March 2). Myanmar: Military's Sham Elections a Threat to Peace. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/02/myanmar-militarys-sham-elections-threat-peace
[5] The Irrawaddy. (2021, March 15). Myanmar's 2023 Elections: A Sham or a Chance for Change? The Irrawaddy. https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/myanmars-2023-elections-sham-or-chance-change
[6] The Irrawaddy. (2022, February 14). Myanmar's Military-Backed Union Election Commission Announces 2023 Election Schedule. The Irrawaddy. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-military-backed-union-election-commission-announces-2023-election-schedule.html
[7] The Irrawaddy. (2021, July 21). Myanmar's Military-Backed Union Election Commission Announces 2023 Election Schedule. The Irrawaddy. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-s-military-backed-union-election-commission-announces-2023-election-schedule.html
- The National League for Democracy (NLD), the main opposition party, is excluded from the general election in Myanmar scheduled for December 2025, raising concerns among independent analysts and international observers that the election may be a sham designed to legitimize continued military rule.
- Despite assertions by the government that the forthcoming election will be transparent and inclusive, many view the military-backed Union Election Commission, led by a former general, as lacking independence or fairness, and the ongoing civil war in parts of the country further complicates the electoral process.
