At a Glance
- Sunday marks first voting round of Myanmar’s first general election in five years.
- Union Solidarity and Development Party dominates the race, backed by the military.
- Three-phase election will finish on Jan. 25, with final results due Feb. 28.
- Why it matters: The outcome will likely confirm Min Aung Hlaing as president, shaping Myanmar’s political future.
The first round of voting took place on Sunday, marking the opening of Myanmar’s first general election in five years.
First Phase Opens in 102 Townships
Voters went to the polls in 102 of the country’s 330 townships. More than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are vying for seats, but only six parties run nationwide.
- 4,800 candidates
- 57 parties
- Six nationwide parties
Critics Say the Vote Is a Facade
Opposition groups argue the election is a sham designed to give the military a veneer of legitimacy. They point to the exclusion of major parties, limits on freedom of speech, and an atmosphere of repression. The military government presents the vote as a return to electoral democracy.
Tom Andrews stated:
> “An election organized by a junta that continues to bomb civilians, jail political leaders, and criminalize all forms of dissent is not an election – it is a theater of the absurd performed at gunpoint.”
Khin Marlar stated:
> “I am voting with the feeling that I will go back to my village when it is peaceful.”
Khin stated:
> “I have to go and vote even though I don’t want to, because soldiers showed up with guns to our village to pressure us yesterday.”
| Phase | Date | Townships |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday | 102 |
| 2 | Jan. 11 | 110 |
| 3 | Jan. 25 | 118 |
The election is expected to confirm Min Aung Hlaing as president, with final results announced by the end of February.
Key Takeaways
- The first voting round began in 102 townships.
- The Union Solidarity and Development Party is the dominant contender.
- Critics label the election a sham, citing exclusion of major parties and repression.
The outcome will likely cement the military’s grip on power, shaping Myanmar’s political trajectory for years to come.
