Myanmar to hold first election in five years as criticism of junta rule growsAP, BANGKOKMyanmar is tomorrow to hold the first phase of a general election, its first vote in five years and an exercise that critics said would neither restore the country’s fragile democracy undone by a 2021 army takeover, nor end a devastating civil war triggered by the nation’s harsh military rule. Supporters of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party attend the final day of campaign for the first phase of a general election in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, yesterday. Myanmar’s 80-year-old Suu Kyi and her party are not taking part in the election. Asian Network for Free Elections analyst Amael Vier said Myanmar’s political parties that won 90 percent of the seats in 2020 no longer exist today. An Election Protection Law with harsh penalties enacted this year put even more restrictions on political activity, effectively barring all public criticism of the polls.

Source: Taipei Times December 26, 2025 18:44 UTC