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Myanmar Junta Presses Ahead With Phased Election Starting Dec. 28 After UN Warns of Coercion

The UN rights chief says the pre-election climate leaves no room for free participation.

Myanmar soldiers from the 77th light infantry division walk along a street during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, February 28, 2021. Picture taken February 28, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Myanmar's military checkpoint is seen on the way to the congress compound in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, February 1, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer
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Overview

  • Voting will start in 102 townships on Dec. 28 and move to 100 more on Jan. 11, with officials indicating a possible third phase and acknowledging the polls will not be nationwide.
  • Authorities say 229 people have been targeted in 140 cases under new anti‑disruption laws, as rights officials report intimidation, arrests and threats toward displaced people to compel voting.
  • Major opposition parties, including the dissolved National League for Democracy, will not be on ballots, leaving only junta‑approved groups and just six parties contesting nationwide.
  • The 2008 constitution reserves a quarter of parliamentary seats for serving military personnel, giving the armed forces structural leverage over the presidency and government formation.
  • The military rejects allegations of coercion and portrays the vote as serving the public, while China and Russia, and reportedly India, provide backing despite Western and UN criticism.