Myanmar kicks off its three-phase general election on Sunday, with the government promising it will mark a “turning of a new page for Myanmar”.
The military-led government, headed by the State Security and Peace Commission chairperson, Min Aung Hlaing, is holding the multiparty general election almost five years after the nation last went to the polls.
“The upcoming election has certainly brought hope and energy to people who have suffered for too long under ongoing conflicts.
“An election that strives for popular participation should be cherished, not condemned,” state media The Global New Light of Myanmar said in a two-page article on the eve of the election.
The Union Election Commission announced on Friday that Phase 1 will be held on Dec 28 in 102 townships, followed by Phase 2 on Jan 11, 2026, in 100 townships.
Phase 3 of the election will take place on Jan 25, 2026, in 63 townships across the respective regions and states, the commission said on its website.
On Friday, the government said it would lift the curfew in 44 townships in the Yangon Region, effective the morning of Dec 27, due to improved stability and security.
Several international observers from Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Russia have arrived in Yangon to monitor the election, while foreign political observers have criticised the government for not holding fair and transparent polls.
More than 5k to contest
The military came into power on Feb 1, 2021, after the 2020 election, which was won by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy.
More than 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties will contest for about 950 seats in three legislatures – the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and State and Region Hluttaws (Parliament), according to state media.
During the election, voters will be casting their votes using electronic voting machines to curb vote-counting irregularities and practise electoral transparency.
“For the first time in 20 years, women candidates have reached the highest percentage ever – 18 percent of total registered candidates,” said the state media.
The military government is holding the election against the backdrop of a raging civil war in parts of Myanmar that has left thousands homeless and severely damaged the economy over the past five years.
- Bernama
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