YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – On December 27, 2025, officials from Myanmar's Union Election Commission prepared polling stations in the capital, Yangon, for the first phase of a general election set to occur the following day. Photographs captured by Thein Zaw illustrate workers testing electronic voting machines and ensuring all necessary arrangements were made for the electoral process.
This election marks Myanmar's initial vote in five years, with the first phase scheduled for December 28, 2025. Critics, however, express concern that the elections will not restore the country’s fragile democracy, which has been severely undermined by the military coup in 2021. In fact, they argue that the elections will not resolve the ongoing civil war, which has erupted due to the military's authoritarian policies. The election will consist of three phases, with subsequent voting scheduled for January 11 and January 25, 2026.
The military junta has framed this electoral process as a return to multiparty democracy, likely aiming to lend a semblance of legitimacy to its rule that commenced following the ousting of the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi four years ago. The military's justification for holding these elections comes in the context of widespread protests and upheaval that erupted post-coup, resulting in an armed resistance that has evolved into a full-blown civil war. The violence in various regions complicates the logistics of conducting the elections, particularly in areas where opposition to military rule is most pronounced.
Human rights organizations and various opposition groups have denounced the upcoming elections, asserting that they are unlikely to be free or fair. There are widespread fears that the military government, under the guise of a democratic process, will manipulate the elections to maintain its grip on power, diverting attention from the ongoing humanitarian crisis and civil strife plaguing the nation.
In conclusion, as Myanmar approaches this pivotal electoral moment, the international community remains skeptical. With the military positioning itself as a purveyor of democracy and amidst ongoing civil conflict, the real implications of this election are yet to be seen.
