Myanmar’s Junta Sets January Date for Second Phase of Disputed Election

Myanmar’s military government has announced that the second phase of its controversial multi-stage election will take place on January 11, according to state media reports on Wednesday. The election has been widely criticized by Western nations, the United Nations, and human rights organizations as an illegitimate attempt to cement military power rather than restore democracy.

Since the 2021 coup, when the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian-led government, Myanmar has been in deep political and humanitarian crisis. The coup sparked widespread resistance movements, including pro-democracy protests and armed struggles across the nation.

Many political parties that once represented the will of the people have been banned or are boycotting the election entirely. Even the junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has acknowledged that the polls will not be held nationwide, reflecting the instability and deep divisions across the country.

The first phase of the election is set for December 28, with the second phase following two weeks later. Voting will take place in 100 townships, including several in Yangon, the country’s economic hub and largest city.

“I don’t think anybody believes that those elections will be free and fair,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said during the recent ASEAN summit, highlighting global skepticism surrounding the junta’s political maneuvers.

ASEAN, despite internal divisions, has admitted it cannot halt Myanmar’s planned election, but has urged the military regime to ensure a process that is fair, inclusive, and transparent.

Meanwhile, resistance continues to intensify. The junta faces ongoing attacks from ethnic armies and newly formed armed groups, many of which have regained control of key territories. A recent government census indicated that only 145 of Myanmar’s 330 townships were secure enough for voter registration — exposing the fragmented state of national control.

Adding to the controversy, Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) and 39 other political parties were dissolved two years ago for failing to register under the junta’s election commission, stripping millions of Myanmar citizens of their political voice.

At the heart of it all lies a nation yearning for peace, freedom, and legitimate representation — while its people remain trapped in a cycle of conflict and control. The world continues to watch, hoping that amid the turmoil, the true voice of Myanmar’s citizens will one day rise again.