Naypyidaw: Myanmar's first phase of elections has concluded, with the military junta leader insisting the elections were transparent and fair. The first phase of Myanmar's three-phase elections concluded yesterday, with polling stations in 102 constituencies closing at 4:00 PM local time. These constituencies focused on urban areas still under military control, such as Yangon, Naypyidaw, and Mandalay. However, voter turnout was significantly lower than in previous elections, with many citizens citing concerns about security or pressure from local officials as reasons for abstaining from voting.
According to Thai News Agency, the elections took place amidst bombings and attacks in several regions where polling stations were located, despite tight security measures enforced by the military government. Incidents included a rocket attack in the Mandalay region on election day, injuring three individuals, and an explosion in Myawaddy, which resulted in the death of one child and injuries to three others, also damaging over 10 houses. Additionally, reports surfaced of the Myanmar military continuing to use airstrikes in Chin State and Sagaing Region on the day polling stations opened.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military junta, assured reporters after casting his vote in Naypyidaw that the election process was free, transparent, and fair, attributing this to the military's management of the election, which he claimed protected its reputation.
The second and third phases of the election are scheduled for January 11 and January 25, 2026, respectively, with official results to be announced after the final round concludes. With the dissolution of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), this election is primarily dominated by the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which represents the military.
Myanmar's military government has acknowledged its inability to conduct elections in nearly one-fifth of the country due to regions under the control of ethnic groups or the People's Protection Units, as well as areas experiencing significant conflict that hindered the deployment of officials to oversee the election process.
The elections have been observed by representatives from several countries, including China, Russia, India, and Vietnam, while the United Nations and Western nations have criticized the elections, referring to them as a 'Theatre of the Absurd' and an attempt to legitimize the military government's continued rule.