Myanmar Holds Widely Condemned Election Amid Civil War and Political Repression

The military government is conducting the election in phases over the next month, with voting scheduled in 274 of the country’s 330 townships. Authorities say the remaining areas are too unstable due to ongoing fighting between junta forces, armed resistance groups, and ethnic militias. Results are expected by late January.
Major opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), have been dissolved, while many political leaders remain imprisoned or in exile. More than 40 parties have been banned, leaving only six parties—among them the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party—to contest nationwide.
Human rights groups say the election is being held under severe repression. More than 200 people have been charged for opposing or criticising the polls under a new law introduced in July, which carries harsh penalties, including long prison sentences and the possibility of capital punishment. Several prominent artists and public figures have already been jailed for criticising election-related propaganda.
The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said there are “no conditions” for free expression, association, or peaceful assembly in Myanmar, warning that civilians are being coerced by both the military and armed opposition groups calling for an election boycott.
Large parts of the country remain under opposition control, creating serious logistical challenges and making voter turnout difficult to assess. Analysts say the phased voting system allows the military to adjust its strategy if early results prove unfavourable.
Myanmar’s civil war has killed thousands, displaced millions, and devastated the economy. Recent airstrikes—supported by China and Russia—have helped the military regain some territory, but fighting continues on multiple fronts. A major earthquake earlier this year and cuts to international aid have further worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Western governments, including the UK and the European Union, have rejected the legitimacy of the election, while Asean has called for inclusive political dialogue before any vote. The junta has dismissed international criticism, insisting the polls are intended to restore a “multi-party democratic system.”
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has warned that those refusing to vote are rejecting progress toward democracy, a claim widely disputed by Myanmar’s citizens and the international community.