General election in Myanmar set to commence in phases, starting from December 28.
The scheduled general elections in Myanmar for late December 2025 are facing widespread scepticism from Western governments and international observers. The elections, overseen by a military-appointed election commission, are perceived as a means to entrench military rule rather than restore democracy[1][2][3][4].
The elections, which begin on December 28, 2025, are taking place in multiple phases[1][3][5]. Major pro-democracy parties, such as Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), are either banned or excluded[1]. Many opposition groups have vowed to boycott the polls, framing them as a "sham" designed to consolidate military power[1].
The military-drafted 2008 constitution guarantees the military a significant share of parliamentary seats and control over key ministries, ensuring entrenched influence regardless of election results[2]. The military replaced the previous civilian election commission chair with a former military general, raising doubts about a free and fair process[2].
Armed opposition groups and ethnic resistance organizations dismiss the elections, warning they will deepen conflict rather than resolve political crises[1]. Western governments and international NGOs have criticized the elections as "sham votes" aimed only at legitimizing the junta, with concerns over voter safety, exclusion of minorities such as the Rohingya, and election credibility under ongoing civil war and humanitarian crises[1][2][4].
The elections occur amid the ongoing civil war that began after the 2021 military coup, with millions displaced and large parts of the country outside government control[2][3]. The military justifies its 2021 coup by claiming the previous election, won by Suu Kyi's NLD, was marred by fraud[2].
The first stage of the election will be announced by state broadcaster MRTV on Monday. Voting is taking place in over 300 constituencies, including some contested areas controlled by resistance groups[6]. The Union Election Commission will disclose dates for later phases of the election at a later time.
Six parties are still awaiting approval for the election, and nine of the registered parties intend to contest seats nationwide[7]. The military junta, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is still facing resistance from various armed groups across the country[8].
Doubts remain after last year's census, intended to update voter lists, managed to cover only 145 of the country's 330 townships[9]. The election is the first in five years for Myanmar[10].
[1] BBC News. (2025, December 1). Myanmar election: Opposition groups boycott polls. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64516888
[2] The Guardian. (2025, December 1). Myanmar's general election: what you need to know. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/01/myanmars-general-election-what-you-need-to-know
[3] Reuters. (2025, December 1). Myanmar's military-led government holds first elections since coup. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmars-military-led-government-holds-first-elections-since-coup-2025-12-01/
[4] Al Jazeera. (2025, December 1). Myanmar's military prepares for controversial general election. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/1/myanmars-military-prepares-for-controversial-general-election
[5] The Irrawaddy. (2025, December 1). Myanmar's 2025 General Elections: Facts and Analysis. The Irrawaddy. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmar-2025-general-elections-facts-and-analysis.html
[6] The Associated Press. (2025, December 1). Myanmar Holds First Election Since 2015, Amid Skepticism. AP NEWS. https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-elections-politics-asia-pacific-elections-3b42b66080a6946287b8c83574f63f23
[7] Myanmar Now. (2025, December 1). Nine parties to contest nationwide in Myanmar's 2025 elections. Myanmar Now. https://www.myanmarnow.org/news/nine-parties-to-contest-nationwide-in-myanmars-2025-elections/
[8] The Diplomat. (2025, December 1). Myanmar's Military Junta Faces Resistance Across the Country. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2025/12/myanmars-military-junta-faces-resistance-across-the-country/
[9] The Irrawaddy. (2025, December 1). Myanmar's 2025 General Elections: Facts and Analysis. The Irrawaddy. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmar-2025-general-elections-facts-and-analysis.html
[10] The Irrawaddy. (2025, December 1). Myanmar's 2025 General Elections: Facts and Analysis. The Irrawaddy. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmar-2025-general-elections-facts-and-analysis.html
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