Myanmar to hold third phase of election voting on January 25 - reports

Myanmar will hold the third phase of its general election on January 25, amid ongoing civil conflict, with 63 townships set to vote under the ruling military junta’s plan.

REUTERS

26 December 2025 at 08:11:09

Myanmar schedules third phase of general election on January 25 amid ongoing civil conflict, covering 63 townships as junta aims to shift from battlefield to ballot box.

Reuters

Myanmar will hold the third phase of voting for its general election on January 25, the state media announced on Friday. The poll plan comes amid a raging civil war in the Southeast Asian nation.

The first two phases of voting are scheduled for December 28 and January 11, covering a total of 202 townships out of 330. The third phase will take place in 63 townships, according to the ruling junta’s announcement published by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Dates for the counting of votes and the announcement of election results have not yet been declared.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has previously acknowledged that the election will not be held nationwide, as the military continues to fight an armed resistance that has strengthened since the 2021 coup.

Analysts say the military’s move from the battlefield to the ballot box, aimed at establishing a stable administration, faces long odds. The junta, however, insists the election enjoys popular support.

—Reporting by Shoon Naing; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by David Stanway/Reuters

Myanmar will conduct the third phase of its general election on January 25, following two earlier voting rounds in December and January. The election, organized by the ruling military junta, covers 63 of the country’s 330 townships and takes place amid ongoing civil conflict. The junta aims to use the poll to stabilize governance, though analysts question its nationwide legitimacy.