Myanmar Junta Claims 52% Voter Turnout in First Phase of National Election

Myanmar’s military junta has claimed that voter turnout in the first phase of the country’s three-stage national election exceeded 52 percent, despite widespread criticism from the international community over the credibility of the process.
According to junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun, more than six million people cast their votes in 102 townships during the first phase of voting held on Sunday, December 28. He said the turnout stood at 52.13 percent of registered voters, as reported by Reuters.
Speaking to state media, Zaw Min Tun described the turnout as a “matter of pride,” arguing that even advanced democratic countries often fail to surpass 50 percent voter participation.
This election is the first national vote held since the military seized power in a coup in 2021 and is taking place amid an ongoing civil war. However, voter participation is significantly lower than in previous general elections. Data from the US-based International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) shows that voter turnout in Myanmar’s 2015 and 2020 elections was close to 70 percent.
Analysts believe that the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), led by former military officials, is likely to return to power through the current electoral process.
The election has drawn strong criticism from the United Nations, Western countries, and human rights organizations, which argue that the polls are neither free nor fair. Opposition parties critical of the junta have been barred from participating, and public criticism of the election is legally prohibited.
The next two phases of voting are scheduled for January 11 and January 25. Although elections are planned in 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships during these phases, the military does not have full control over all areas.
The Asian Network for Free Elections has noted that Myanmar’s current election law does not require a minimum voter turnout for the results to be considered valid.
Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains detained. Her National League for Democracy (NLD), which won a landslide victory in the 2020 election, was dissolved following the military takeover.