Polls close in first phase of Myanmar elections widely condemned as a sham

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Guardian staff and Aung Khant Si ThuDecember 28, 2025 at 02:58 PM

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The first phase of Myanmar's election, widely criticized as a sham, has concluded. The military junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, claims the election is a return to democracy, but the UN and analysts cite violence, repression, and the exclusion of anti-junta groups as undermining its legitimacy. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is expected to gain the most seats. Aung San Suu Kyi's party is banned, and she remains detained. Western governments condemn the election, while China and other nations sent observers. The junta insists the election is fair and encourages participation, despite reports of low turnout and public reluctance to discuss the vote. The election is scheduled to continue in two further phases in January.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

China ×230% Union Solidarity and Development party (USDP) 40% National League for Democracy 50% Min Aung Hlaing ×260% Myanmar ×370% Aung San Suu Kyi ×480%

Keywords

myanmar election 100% military junta 90% sham election 80% coup 70% political repression 70% aung san suu kyi 60% democracy 50% civil war 50% election observers 40%