Myanmar's Controversial Elections Begin Amid Ongoing Civil Conflict

Myanmar has commenced its first general elections in five years, overseen by the military government amidst ongoing civil unrest. The elections, divided into three phases, have raised significant concerns regarding their legitimacy, as reports indicate military intimidation of voters. Many citizens, like Khin Marlar, express hope for peace through their participation, while others face coercion to vote. Critics argue that the elections serve to legitimize military rule following the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi's government. With over 22,000 political prisoners and a civil war displacing millions, the situation remains dire. This article delves into the complexities surrounding the electoral process in Myanmar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 15:00 IST

Election Under Military Oversight

Yangon, Dec 28: The first phase of Myanmar's general elections, the first in five years, commenced on Sunday, overseen by the military government, amidst a backdrop of civil unrest.

The voting process is divided into three phases, with the initial round occurring in 102 out of 330 townships. The subsequent phases are scheduled for January 11 and January 25, with final results anticipated by February.

Voter Sentiments Amidst Conflict

Khin Marlar, a 51-year-old voter from Yangon's Kyauktada township, expressed her desire to vote in hopes of fostering peace. She shared her experience of fleeing her village in the central Mandalay region due to ongoing violence, stating, "I am voting with the feeling that I will go back to my village when it is peaceful."

Another voter from southern Mon state, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, revealed that she felt pressured to vote due to military intimidation. "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," she recounted.

Concerns Over Election Legitimacy

Reports from independent media and human rights organizations indicate that military officials have used threats to coerce citizens into voting.

With over 4,800 candidates from 57 parties vying for seats, only six parties are in contention for significant influence in Parliament. The Union Solidarity and Development Party, backed by the military, is the most formidable contender.

It is anticipated that General Min Aung Hlaing, who has ruled since the military coup in 2021, will likely take the presidency.

Criticism of the Electoral Process

Critics argue that the elections serve merely to legitimize military rule, which began with the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in February 2021. The military has barred her National League for Democracy from participating, despite its landslide victory in the 2020 elections.

Opponents assert that the election results will lack credibility due to the exclusion of major parties and the oppressive environment stifling free speech.

Tom Andrews, the UN-appointed human rights expert for Myanmar, criticized the elections, stating, "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 theatre of the absurd performed at gunpoint."

Ongoing Repression and Violence

Western nations have imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military leaders due to their anti-democratic actions and violent repression of dissent. Mobilizing opposition remains challenging under the military's oppressive regime.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, over 22,000 individuals are currently imprisoned for political reasons, and security forces have killed more than 7,600 civilians since the coup.

The civil war, ignited by the military's violent crackdown on peaceful protests, has displaced over 3.6 million people, as reported by the UN.

A new Election Protection Law has introduced severe penalties for public criticism of the electoral process, suggesting that power is likely to remain with Senior General Hlaing, the architect of the 2021 coup.