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Nay Pyi Taw, December 28, 2025 – Myanmar took a notable step toward stability on Sunday, successfully completing the first phase of its national elections with over 60% voter participation, despite widespread skepticism from Western governments and media outlets.
A Vote for Stability in a Tumultuous Region
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the elections, held amid a three-year civil war, represent a potential turning point for Myanmar, though their legitimacy remains contested internationally.
- Phase one of Myanmar’s elections took place on December 28, 2025, with a reported 60% turnout.
- The elections are proceeding under the 2008 Constitution, but with changes to the electoral system for different levels of Parliament.
- International observers from Russia, China, and other nations were present, witnessing the process.
- A new Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system has been introduced for the upper house and State & Regional hluttaws.
- The use of Myanmar electronic voting machines (MEVMs) aims to ensure a secure and tamper-proof voting process.
Electoral Reforms and Process
The elections are being conducted under the framework of the 2008 Constitution, but with significant changes to the electoral system. Myanmar has transitioned to a “Mixed Member Proportional” (MMP) system for the upper house (Amyotha Hluttaw) and State & Regional hluttaws. This new system combines FPTP with proportional representation, ensuring that smaller parties have a voice in Parliament alongside those with majority support.
A New Electoral System
Under the FPTP system, the candidate with the moast votes wins. The MMP system, however, allocates seats based on each party’s overall vote share, promoting greater inclusivity.The FPTP system remains in place for the Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) and designated constituencies within the Amyotha Hluttaw, including six “self-administered areas” and ethnic minority constituencies representing groups constituting at least 0.1% of the national population.
Myanmar has also modernized its voting process, replacing paper ballots with standardized Myanmar electronic voting machines (MEVMs), similar to those used in India, designed to prevent tampering.
The elections are being conducted in three phases: phase one, covering 102 townships, concluded on December 28, 2025. Phase two, encompassing 100 townships, was held on January 11, 2026, and phase three is scheduled for January 25, 2026, covering 56-63 townships.A total of 692 out of 833 constituencies are participating, with 24.26 million eligible voters and 57 political parties fielding 4,863 candidates.
The Myanmar Election Commission implemented a digital ‘central voter list management system (CVLMS)’ and administration software to streamline voter list management.Public displays of voter lists at polling stations were widespread during phase one.
A total of 24 domestic and 162 international observers were accredited,including representatives from Russia,China,Kazakhstan,Belarus,Vietnam,Cambodia,India,and Japan. A large delegation from Russia included members of the Russian Duma.
Observers witnessed the entire process, from the opening of polling stations to the digital counting of votes, which was described as fast, secure, and tamper-proof. There was a palpable sense of relief among the public that the elections might pave the way for peace.
Regional Instability
These elections unfold against a backdrop of regional insecurity. Bangladesh is currently grappling with violence stemming from increased radicalization and policy reversals, while Nepal faces political uncertainty ahead of its own elections scheduled for March 2026. Relations between India and Pakistan remain strained following Operation Sindoor.
the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC), under Senior General min Aung Hlaing, and the Election Commission have engaged in extensive deliberations to plan these elections. there’s a growing recognition among Myanmar’s leaders that elections are a crucial first step toward stability and that power-sharing with states is essential. some
