Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Myanmar Junta Reports 52% Turnout in Election's First Phase
Myanmar held the first part of its general election on December 24.
The military-backed party, USDP, says more than half of the people who could vote did.
The junta, which is in charge, is happy with this.
But many other groups, like the United Nations and some countries, say the election is not fair because some parties are not allowed to run.
They also say it's hard to have a fair election during a war.
The military automatically gets a quarter of the seats in the government.
More voting will happen in January, but some areas are still fighting, so it's not clear if everyone can vote.
The final results will be known by late January.
Myanmar’s junta reports a 52.13% voter turnout in the first phase of the election, held on December 24.
The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claims to have won 88 out of 102 contested seats in the first phase.
The election is being held in three phases due to ongoing armed conflicts, with the next phases on January 11 and January 25.
Opposition groups and international observers argue the election is not free or fair, citing the exclusion of anti-junta parties and restrictions on criticism.
The junta asserts that the election is proceeding as planned, with no minimum voter turnout requirement, and further rounds are scheduled for January.
- Who
- Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), opposition groups, and international observers
- What
- First phase of Myanmar’s general election held on Dec 24 with 52.13% voter turnout
- When
- First phase on Dec 24, remaining phases on Jan 11 and Jan 25
- Where
- 102 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, excluding 65 due to armed conflicts
- Why
- Election is part of political process, but opposition groups and international observers claim it is not free or fair
Junta and Supporters
Opposition Groups and International Observers
Election Legitimacy
Junta and Supporters
The junta claims the election is legitimate and that a 52.13% voter turnout is a source of pride, comparable to developed democratic nations.
Opposition Groups and International Observers
The United Nations, Western countries, and human rights groups argue the election is not free, fair, or credible due to the exclusion of anti-junta parties and restrictions on criticism.
Voter Turnout
Junta and Supporters
The junta highlights that over six million people, or 52.13% of enrolled voters, participated in the first phase, which they consider acceptable.
Opposition Groups and International Observers
Opposition groups and international observers note that turnout was significantly lower than in previous elections (70% in 2020 and 2015), indicating a lack of public confidence in the process.
Election Process
Junta and Supporters
The junta asserts that the election is proceeding as planned, with further rounds scheduled for January 11 and January 25.
Opposition Groups and International Observers
Critics point out that the election is taking place during a civil war and that the junta does not have complete control over all areas where voting is scheduled.
- Voter Turnout
- 52.13% in the first phase
- Eligible Voters
- More than 24 million (35% fewer than 2020 election)
- Election Phases
- Three phases (first on Dec 24, next on Jan 11 and Jan 25)
- Total Seats
- 664 seats in two-house national legislature
- Military-Backed Party
- Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
- Seats Claimed by USDP
- 88 out of 102 contested in the first phase
- Opposition Groups
- Called for voter boycott, claim election is not free or fair
- Dissolved Parties
- National League for Democracy (NLD) and 39 others in 2023
