Myanmar General Elections (2025–2026)

The general elections conducted during the 2025–2026 period in Myanmar represent the first general election process in the country since the the military's seizure of control of the government in 2021. The elections were organized in accordance with a phased schedule within the administrative and security framework established by the military administration. Voting operations were not implemented across all electoral districts due to ongoing armed conflicts and security concerns.

The election process was carried out through election institutions operating under the oversight of the military administration and in accordance with electoral laws enacted after the coup.

Political and Legal Background

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

The legal framework governing the general elections was drafted by the military administration after the coup. Under these regulations the conditions for political parties to register nominate candidates and participate in elections were redefined. Some political parties that had been influential in previous elections were unable to take part in this process.

Structure of the Election Process

The general elections were conducted in multiple phases due to security and administrative considerations. The military administration stated that it was not feasible to hold voting simultaneously across the entire country and therefore spread the voting operations over different dates.

Under this structure the first phase of the elections was held in December 2025 and the second phase on 11 January 2026; subsequent phases are planned to be completed within 2026.

First Phase Voting

The first phase of voting took place on 28 December 2025. Voting operations were conducted only in a limited number of constituencies deemed secure by the military administration. Due to ongoing conflicts and lack of administrative control many areas were excluded from the voting process.

It was reported that voter turnout in the first phase was lower compared to previous general elections. The results indicated that political parties linked to the military administration won a significant number of parliamentary seats. The election results were officially announced by election institutions under the control of the military administration.

Second Phase Voting (11 January 2026)

The second phase of voting was conducted on 11 January 2026. Again voting did not cover the entire country and ballot boxes were only established in designated areas. Voting centers were opened in regions under the de facto control of the military administration.

In some areas voting operations could not be carried out due to security concerns. The voting took place 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 participating in the elections were largely those approved by the military administration or known for their proximity to it. Some political formations that had enjoyed broad support in previous general elections did not participate in this process.

This situation led to a limited framework for political competition. Candidate lists and election campaigns were conducted in accordance with rules set by the military administration.

Security Environment and Internal Conflicts

The general elections were held under conditions of ongoing civil war in Myanmar. Armed clashes military operations and security incidents continued in various parts of the country. This directly affected the geographical scope and feasibility of the elections.

In some populated areas no ballot boxes were installed while in others voting operations were conducted for limited durations. Security conditions were one of the key factors determining voter mobility and participation levels.

International Reactions and Observations

The election process attracted various international reactions. Criticisms were voiced regarding the inclusiveness of the elections the nature of the political environment and the conditions for participation. Among the prominent concerns raised were the restricted political freedoms and the exclusion of certain political actors from the process.

Continuation of the Election Calendar

According to the election schedule announced by the military administration the remaining phases of the general elections are expected to be completed within 2026. Following the completion of all phases a new legislative body is planned to be formed. The election process has been carried out within the administrative and security framework defined by the military administration.

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. The final phase of this three-phase process was implemented when voters returned to the polls on 25 January 2026.

Under the final phase voting commenced at 06:00 local time on 25 January 2026 in approximately 60 constituencies. It was stated that the elections aimed to determine the holders of legislative seats in the Myanmar Parliament. The election 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

In an official statement by the Myanmar military administration it was reported that the first two phases of the general elections were conducted between 28 December 2025 and early January 2026. During these phases approximately 24 million voters went to the polls with a turnout rate of approximately 60 percent.

The final phase on 25 January 2026 completed the three-phase election calendar.

Parliamentary Structure and Seat Allocation

Formation of Legislative Bodies

In Myanmar a total of 330 constituencies exist. General elections in three phases were held between the end of 2025 and January 2026 in 265 of these under the de facto control of the military administration. As a result of these elections:

• In the Lower House (Pyithu Hluttaw) a total of 330 seats were to be filled with one representative from each constituency
• In the Upper House (Amyotha Hluttaw) a total of 168 seats were to be filled with 12 members from each state

It is recorded that under constitutional provisions 110 seats in the Lower House and 56 seats in the Upper House are directly appointed by the military administration.

Political Parties and Participation in the Elections

Candidates and Competitive Structure

In 2025 official approval was granted to 57 political parties and over 4 800 candidates seeking to participate in the general elections. However it was noted that only six political parties fielded candidates in all constituencies. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) was the party with the highest number of candidates. This led to criticism that the party competed unopposed in many constituencies. It was reported that the USDP won the majority of parliamentary seats in the first two phases (late 2025–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 in October 2025 not to send observers to the elections in Myanmar. In a statement issued by Malaysia it was specified that under this decision ASEAN would not recognize the elections ongoing during the 2025–2026 period.

Attitude of the Military Administration

On 25 January 2026 as the final phase of the elections began Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing stated that whether foreign countries accepted or rejected the elections was not decisive and that the will of the people expressed through their votes was what mattered most.