Myanmar has begun voting in its first general election since the military seized power in 2021. Polls opened on Sunday in limited parts of the country, even as fighting continues between the army and resistance groups.
The election is taking place in only about one-third of Myanmar’s 330 townships. Large areas remain inaccessible due to the ongoing civil war. Authorities have cancelled voting completely in 65 townships.
Officials have scheduled two more voting rounds on January 11 and January 25.
Millions Excluded From Voting Process
The limited reach of the election has raised serious concerns. Large sections of the population cannot take part.
“This means that at least 20 percent of the country is disenfranchised at this stage,” said Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng, reporting from Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon. “The big question is going to be here in the cities, what is the turnout going to be like?”
In Yangon, polling stations opened at 6 am. Voters began arriving after sunrise.
“We’ve seen a relatively regular flow of voters come in,” Cheng said.
Few Choices, Mostly Military Parties
Observers in Yangon noted that the voter profile appeared narrow. Most voters were middle-aged. Young voters were largely absent.
“But the voters are generally middle-aged, and we haven’t seen many young people. When you look at the ballot, there are only a few choices. The vast majority of those choices are military parties,” Cheng said.
Opposition parties linked to the anti-coup movement are not contesting the polls.
Suu Kyi Still Detained, Party Dissolved
Aung San Suu Kyi has been in detention for more than three years after her government was removed. Her National League for Democracy party no longer exists as a political force.
The NLD had won the 2020 election by a landslide. The military later annulled the results and took control of the country.
The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party is widely expected to emerge as the largest party.
Military Calls Vote a “New Beginning”
Myanmar’s military leadership has defended the election. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing described the vote as a step toward stability.
The military chief cast his ballot shortly after polling began in the capital, Naypyidaw.
The polls “will turn a new page for Myanmar, shifting the narrative from a conflict-affected, crisis-laden country to a new chapter of hope for building peace and reconstructing the economy”, a state-run editorial said.
Violence and Repression Continue
International bodies have strongly criticised the election process.
“There are no conditions for the exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association, or peaceful assembly that allow for the free and meaningful participation of the people,” said UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
Myanmar’s civil war has caused widespread devastation. The conflict has killed an estimated 90,000 people. It has displaced 3.5 million others. Around 22 million people now need humanitarian aid.
More than 22,000 people remain detained for political reasons.
Mixed Reactions From Voters
Security remained tight in Yangon. Armed personnel guarded polling stations and intersections. Authorities used electronic voting machines for the first time. The machines do not allow write-in candidates or spoiled ballots.
Some voters dismissed global criticism.
“It’s not an important matter,” said 45-year-old Swe Maw. “There are always people who like and dislike.”
Others rejected the process outright.
“How can we support a junta-run election when this military has destroyed our lives?” said Moe Moe Myint. “We are homeless, hiding in jungles, and living between life and death.”
What Comes Next for Myanmar
Authorities have not announced dates for counting votes or declaring results.
Analysts warn that the election may fail to bring legitimacy or peace. Fighting continues across much of the country. International recognition remains unlikely.
For many in Myanmar, the vote reflects the nation’s deep crisis rather than a path forward.