Naypyidaw: A trickle of voters made their way to Myanmar's heavily restricted polls on Sunday, with the ruling junta touting the exercise as a return to democracy five years after it ousted the last elected government, triggering civil war. Former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains jailed, while her hugely popular party has been dissolved and is not taking part. According to France24.com, campaigners, Western diplomats, and the UN's rights chief have all condemned the phased month-long vote, citing a ballot stacked with military allies and a stark crackdown on dissent. As balloting began on Sunday, the United Nations released a statement emphasizing the need for "free, fair, inclusive and credible" elections in Myanmar. The UN stressed that determining Myanmar's future should involve a process that reflects the people's will and stands in solidarity with their democratic aspirations. The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party is widely expected to emerge as the largest bloc, which critics argue would merely be a rebranding of martial rule. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing assured reporters in the capital, Naypyidaw, that the election would be free and fair as he cast his ballot shortly after polls opened at 6:00 am local time. "It's organized by the military, we can't let our name be tarnished," he stated, defending the legitimacy of the process.
Myanmar Opens Polling Stations For Final Phase Of Election
January 25, 2026