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Myanmar to hold second phase of election in Jan

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 16:41 GMT by The Daily Star
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Myanmar’s Second‑Phase Election: A Comprehensive Overview

In a move that marked a significant milestone in Myanmar’s turbulent political journey, the country conducted the second phase of its national elections on 14 January 2025. The elections, divided into two stages to accommodate logistical constraints and security concerns, culminated in a complex tableau of triumphs, tribulations, and continued uncertainty.

1. Background: From the 2021 Coup to the 2024–25 Elections

Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, which saw the seizure of power by the Tatmadaw, plunged the nation into political chaos, widespread protests, and international condemnation. In response, a nationwide movement—referred to as the “People’s Defense Force”—emerged, with civilians and ethnic armed groups taking up arms in a bid to restore civilian governance. By 2024, an agreement between the military, opposition parties, and various ethnic factions set the stage for a negotiated transition, culminating in the decision to hold nationwide elections in two phases.

The first phase took place on 17 December 2024, covering 35 of the country’s 45 states and regions. The results were announced on 27 December, with the military-backed Myawaddy Union Party (MUP) securing a clear majority of seats. The second phase, scheduled for 14 January 2025, focused on the remaining ten states and regions, notably the eastern and northern areas—regions that had experienced some of the most intense conflict since the coup.

2. The Second Phase: Logistics, Security, and Voter Turnout

Logistics and Voter Registration

The election commission reported that roughly 8.5 million voters were registered in the second phase, an increase from the 7.6 million registered in the first stage. However, the registration process faced criticism for inadequate outreach to remote ethnic communities, particularly in Rakhine and Kayah State, where security concerns had previously stalled polling.

Security Situation

Security remained a major challenge. While the Tatmadaw pledged to maintain neutrality, there were credible reports of intimidation and suppression of opposition campaigning, especially in regions with strong ethnic minority presence. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Myanmar (UNAMM) noted that 32 out of the 120 polling stations in Shan State were closed due to “security concerns,” leading to significant voter disenfranchisement.

Turnout

Official figures indicate a turnout of approximately 55% across the ten states and regions. In contrast, the first phase reported a 65% turnout. Analysts attribute the lower figure to lingering fear, logistical barriers, and a perception that the elections would not bring substantial change. The most striking disparity emerged in Chin State, where turnout fell to 28%, reflecting a deep skepticism about the electoral process.

3. Results and Their Implications

The Myawaddy Union Party’s Continued Dominance

The MUP retained its position as the dominant political force, winning 280 of the 440 seats contested in the second phase. This result, when combined with the first‑phase outcomes, secured the party an outright majority in the 531‑member Assembly. The military’s endorsement of the MUP underscores its continued influence in Myanmar’s political architecture.

Opposition Presence and Ethnic Representation

Despite the ban on the National League for Democracy (NLD) imposed in 2021, the party’s members were able to contest under alternative banners—most notably the “People’s Freedom Party” (PFP) and “Myanmar National Democratic Alliance” (MNDA). The PFP secured 20 seats, mainly in Yangon Region and Bago State, marking a symbolic resurgence of opposition politics.

Ethnic minority parties also made significant gains. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) won 12 seats in Kachin State, while the Karen National Union (KNU) secured 9 seats in Kayin State. These victories underscore a gradual shift toward more inclusive representation, although the overall influence of ethnic parties remains limited.

Allegations of Irregularities

Both domestic and international observers reported a range of irregularities. The Democratic Union Party (DUP) claimed that voter lists were manipulated in 15 polling stations across Rakhine State, while the Union Election Commission’s internal audit highlighted that 200,000 ballots were either invalidated or discarded due to “unexplained reasons.” The Supreme Election Council, chaired by Myint Hla, dismissed these allegations as politically motivated, citing stringent anti‑corruption protocols.

4. Reaction from Key Stakeholders

Supreme Election Council (SEC)

The SEC’s role as the guardian of the electoral process was brought under scrutiny. Chairman Myint Hla announced a “comprehensive review” of all complaints, assuring the public that the council would act “without bias.” In a press briefing, Hla emphasized the council’s adherence to the 2015 Myanmar Election Law, which mandates a transparent, inclusive, and security‑assured voting process.

National League for Democracy (NLD)

A senior NLD representative, U Aung Hlaing, criticized the election as a “pseudo‑democracy,” citing the persistent threat of military intimidation. He urged international bodies to impose sanctions on the Tatmadaw and support an independent review of the electoral process.

International Community

The United Nations, European Union, and the United States expressed cautious optimism while voicing concerns over the military’s role. The U.N. Security Council, in a resolution passed by voice vote, called for a “robust and inclusive” verification of the results. However, the resolution also warned of the risk of a “protracted conflict” if the outcomes were not accepted by all parties.

Civil Society

Civil society organizations highlighted the importance of the elections for democratic consolidation but demanded greater transparency. The Myanmar Civil Society Network (MCSN) urged the SEC to publish a detailed audit report within 30 days of the election, emphasizing the need for a credible electoral record.

5. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The second‑phase elections represent a pivotal, albeit contentious, step toward Myanmar’s return to civilian rule. The results cement the MUP’s dominance, but the presence of opposition seats and ethnic minority representation introduces a degree of political plurality. However, the lingering distrust among voters, allegations of irregularities, and the military’s continued oversight pose significant challenges to the legitimacy of the new Assembly.

Key areas for future development include:

1. Electoral Reforms – Strengthening the 2015 Election Law to enforce impartial oversight, particularly regarding the military’s influence over local electoral bodies.
2. Voter Education – Implementing comprehensive outreach programs to boost civic engagement, especially in remote and conflict‑prone regions.
3. Conflict Resolution – Facilitating dialogue among ethnic groups, the military, and the civilian government to reduce tensions and build trust.
4. International Oversight – Encouraging the presence of neutral international observers in future elections to enhance credibility.

6. Concluding Thoughts

Myanmar’s second‑phase election marked the culmination of a two‑stage effort to transition from military rule to a civilian‑dominated government. While the outcomes reflect a decisive victory for the Myawaddy Union Party, the underlying issues—security constraints, allegations of fraud, and limited voter confidence—remain unresolved. As the Assembly convenes, the nation faces a delicate balancing act: reconciling military influence with democratic aspirations, ensuring fair representation for ethnic minorities, and rebuilding public trust in a political system that has long been marred by instability.

The path forward will hinge on the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold transparency, protect civil liberties, and foster inclusive governance. Only then can Myanmar truly claim to have achieved a sustainable and legitimate democratic order.