Myanmar General Elections (2025–2026)

Myanmar’s general elections conducted during the 2025–2026 period constitute the first electoral process since the military seized power in 2021. The elections were organized within an administrative and security framework established by the military regime, following a phased schedule. Voting operations were not implemented across all electoral districts due to ongoing armed conflicts and security concerns.

The electoral process was carried out through election laws enacted after the coup and under the oversight of election bodies operating under military control.

Political and Legal Background

Following the military coup on 1 February 2021 in Myanmar, the civilian government was removed from office. A state of emergency was declared, political activities were restricted, and numerous politicians were arrested. During this period, widespread protests and armed clashes emerged across the country.

Legal regulations governing the general elections were drafted by the military regime after the coup. These regulations redefined the conditions for political parties to register, nominate candidates, and participate in elections. Several political parties that had been influential in previous elections were barred from participating in this process.

Structure of the Electoral Process

The general elections were conducted in multiple phases due to security and administrative constraints. The military regime stated that simultaneous voting across the entire country was not feasible and therefore spread voting operations across different dates.

Under this structure, the first phase of voting took place in December 2025, the second phase on 11 January 2026, and subsequent phases are planned to be completed within 2026.

First Phase Voting

The first phase of voting occurred on 28 December 2025. Voting operations were limited to a small number of districts deemed secure by the military regime. Due to ongoing conflicts and lack of administrative control, many areas were excluded from the voting process.

Reported voter turnout in the first phase was lower than in previous general elections. The results showed that political parties linked to the military regime won a significant number of parliamentary seats. The election results were officially announced by election bodies under military supervision.

Second Phase Voting (11 January 2026)

The second phase of voting took place on 11 January 2026. Again, voting did not cover the entire country; polling stations were established only in designated areas. Voting centers were opened in regions under the military regime’s de facto control.

In some areas, voting was suspended due to security concerns. The process occurred amid ongoing internal conflicts and military operations. A portion of the electorate was unable to vote due to these conditions.

Political Parties and Participation

The political parties that participated in the elections were largely those approved by the military regime or known for their proximity to it. Several political formations that had enjoyed broad public support in previous elections chose not to participate.

This situation resulted in limited political competition. Candidate lists and campaign activities were conducted strictly within rules set by the military regime.

Security Environment and Internal Conflicts

The general elections were held against the backdrop of Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. Armed clashes, military operations, and security incidents continued across various regions of the country. This directly affected the geographic scope and practical implementation of the elections.

In some populated areas, no polling stations were established, while in others, voting was conducted for limited durations. Security conditions were among the key factors determining voter mobility and participation levels.

International Reactions and Observations

The electoral process drew varied international reactions. Criticisms were voiced regarding the inclusiveness of the elections, the nature of the political environment, and the conditions for participation. A recurring concern was the restriction of political freedoms and the exclusion of certain political actors from the process.

Continuation of the Election Schedule

According to the election schedule announced by the military regime, the remaining phases of the general elections are expected to be completed within 2026. A new legislative body is planned to be formed after all phases are concluded. The entire electoral process has been conducted within the administrative and security framework defined by the military regime.

Final Phase of the Elections

The first general election process held in Myanmar since the military coup on 1 February 2021 began on 28 December 2025. This three-phase process reached its final phase when voters returned to the polls on 25 January 2026.

On the final phase, voting commenced at 06:00 local time on 25 January 2026 in approximately 60 districts. It was stated that the elections aimed to determine the holders of legislative seats in the Myanmar Parliament. The results were expected to be announced in the following days, with the parliament scheduled to convene in March 2026 and the new government to assume office in April 2026.

Election Phases and Voter Turnout

According to an announcement by Myanmar’s military regime, the first two phases of the general elections were conducted between 28 December 2025 and early January 2026. It was reported that approximately 24 million voters participated, with a turnout rate of approximately 60 percent.

The final phase held on 25 January 2026 completed the three-phase electoral schedule.

Parliamentary Structure and Seat Allocation

Formation of Legislative Bodies

In 265 of the 330 electoral districts across Myanmar under the military regime’s de facto control, three-phase general elections were held between the end of 2025 and January 2026. As a result:

• In the Lower House (Pyithu Hluttaw), one representative was elected from each electoral district, totaling 330 seats,
• In the Upper House (Amyotha Hluttaw), 12 members were elected from each state, totaling 168 seats

for the purpose of selecting representatives.

According to constitutional provisions, 110 seats in the Lower House and 56 seats in the Upper House are directly appointed by the military regime.

Political Parties and Electoral Participation

Candidates and Competitive Structure

In 2025, official approval was granted to 57 political parties and more than 4,800 candidates to contest the general elections. However, only six political parties fielded candidates in all electoral districts. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) fielded the largest number of candidates and became the party with the most contested seats. This led to criticism that the USDP ran unopposed in many districts. It was reported that the USDP secured the majority of parliamentary seats in the first two phases (end of 2025 to early 2026).

International Reactions and ASEAN Decision

ASEAN Statement of October 2025

It was announced that member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided not to send observers to Myanmar’s general elections. In a statement issued by Malaysia, it was stated that ASEAN would not recognize the elections conducted during the 2025–2026 period.

Military Regime’s Position

Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, in a statement on 25 January 2026 marking the start of the final voting phase, asserted that whether foreign countries accept or reject the elections is irrelevant, and that the people’s votes are what matter.

Min Aung Hlaing’s Assumption of the Presidency in Myanmar

Min Aung Hlaing, who has de facto controlled Myanmar’s government since the military coup of 2021, officially assumed the office of President of Myanmar following a swearing-in ceremony. According to Xinhua News Agency, the ceremony took place in the parliament building in the capital, Naypyidaw. With this event, Hlaing became Myanmar’s 11th president.

In his address to parliament after the swearing-in, Hlaing made remarks on the country’s governance. The general elections, held for the first time since the 2021 military coup, conducted voting in three phases between 28 December and 25 January.