Unpacking Myanmar's Junta-Planned Elections

Amid the ongoing armed conflict, human rights violations and restrictive environment, the military junta in Myanmar proceeded with their planned elections since they staged a coup in 2021 after the 2020 general elections. Staged in three phases – first on 28 December 2025, second 11 January 2026 – the third phase will take place this Sunday, 25 January 2026.

It came as no surprise when the military backed Union Solidarity and Development Party claimed most seats winning 182 seats after the first and second phases of the staged elections.

For context: Across the different parliamentary levels, USDP only won 71 seats while Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won 920 seats during the 2020 elections, according to an ANFREL report. After the new Political Parties Registration Law was enacted in January 2023, NLD has since been banned.

The current staged elections have been characterized by low voter turnout and reports of intimidation amid tightened security. In the lead up to the staged elections, those who oppose the elections have been met with harsh punishment under the new Law on the Protection of Elections from Interference and Disruption.

Throughout these phases, voting was limited to selected areas under military control, while large parts of the country, particularly conflict-affected and ethnic regions, were excluded. As we mentioned, political parties operated under restrictive registration laws, voters faced coercion and legal uncertainty, and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) continued without transparency, independent verification, or public education. At the same time, the junta tightly managed narratives around turnout, security, and legitimacy, while restricting independent observation and media access.

In this episode of "The Election Observer" podcast, we’ll discuss more about the military junta staged elections in Myanmar and gather insights from organizations monitoring the situation in the country.