Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Myanmar Holds Second Phase of Election
Myanmar is having an election in parts, with the second phase happening on January 11, 2024.
The military, which took control in 2021, is running the election.
Many people and countries say it's not fair because the military's party, the USDP, is the only real choice.
The USDP is winning a lot of seats.
The country has been in a big fight since the military took over, with many people hurt or forced to leave their homes.
The military says the election will make things better, but others don't believe it will.
Some people voted hoping for peace, while others think the election won't change anything.
Myanmar held the second phase of its military-run election on January 11, 2024, with low turnout in the first phase.
The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is leading by a large margin, winning 90 of 102 seats in the first phase.
The election is widely criticized as neither free, fair, nor credible by the United Nations, Western countries, and human rights groups.
At least 16,600 civilians have died, and 3.6 million people have been displaced since the 2021 military coup.
The junta claims the election will bring political stability, but analysts warn it is unlikely to gain broad international recognition.
- Who
- Voters in Myanmar, military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), and international observers including the United Nations and Western countries.
- What
- Second phase of a military-run election in Myanmar, criticized as a tool to formalize junta rule.
- When
- January 11, 2024 (second phase), with a final round on January 25, 2024.
- Where
- 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, including areas where the junta does not have full control.
- Why
- The junta claims the election will bring political stability and a better future, but it is widely criticized as neither free, fair, nor credible due to the absence of meaningful opposition.
Junta
Critics
Election Legitimacy
Junta
The junta claims the election will bring political stability and return power to the people, aiming to improve diplomatic relations and foreign investment.
Critics
Critics, including the UN and democracy advocates, argue the election is rigged, with the military's proxy party dominating and dissent suppressed.
Election Impact
Junta
The junta believes the election will help end the suffering and bring a better future for Myanmar.
Critics
Critics say the election has nothing to do with escaping suffering and is merely a tool to prolong military rule.
- Election Date
- January 11, 2024 (second phase)
- First Phase Turnout
- 52.13%
- Military-Backed Party
- Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
- Seats Won by USDP (First Phase)
- 90 out of 102
- Total Townships Voting
- 265 out of 330
- Civilians Killed Since Coup
- 16,600 (as of reporting)
- Displaced People
- 3.6 million (U.N. estimate)
- Estimated Deaths in Civil War
- 90,000 (ACLED estimate)
Sources
Myanmar votes in second phase of military-run election
Myanmar votes in second phase of junta-run election, democracy watchdogs remain sceptical
Myanmar Votes in Second Phase of Junta-Run Election
Myanmar Junta Opens Polls In Second Phase Of Elections Amid Criticism
Polling resumes in Myanmar’s war-hit regions in second election phase
Myanmar votes again in military’s lopsided election