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2d ago

Myanmar Concludes First Phase of Junta-Run Election as Pro-Military Party Claims Early Lead

Observers widely dismiss the staged vote as illegitimate due to territorial exclusions.

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A trishaw driver sits and reads a newspaper reporting on Myanmar's general election in Yangon on December 29, 2025. Voters trickled to Myanmar's heavily restricted polls on December 28, with the ruling junta touting the exercise as a return to democracy five years after it ousted the last elected government and triggered a civil war. (Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The opening round of voting ended on Dec. 28 in 102 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, with additional phases scheduled for Jan. 11 and Jan. 25.
  • Explosions and air strikes were reported during polling, with local officials citing injuries and at least one child killed in separate blasts.
  • A Union Solidarity and Development Party official told AFP the party is winning a majority, though the Union Election Commission has not posted official results.
  • UN officials and rights groups urged governments to reject the process, while China, Russia and India sent observers welcomed by state media.
  • Large areas were excluded from the vote and turnout appeared thin in major cities, reinforcing questions over credibility despite the junta’s assurances of a “free and fair” election.