A ghost town votes in Myanmar election’s second phase

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Tony ChengJanuary 11, 2026 at 07:26 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

In January 2026, Myanmar's military government plans to hold elections in Hpapun as part of the second phase of the general election. However, Hpapun, once a bustling regional hub, is now a ghost town, emptied by ongoing fighting between the army and rebel groups since 2024. Al Jazeera reports that the town is deserted, with buildings destroyed or reclaimed by the jungle. Voting will occur at a Tactical Command post outside the town, accessible only through landmines and a military siege. A commander of the People’s Defence Force, a rebel group, claims the election is a sham designed to maintain the junta's power.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Yangon 40% Al Jazeera ×240% Myanmar Army 60% 2026 Myanmar General Election 70% People’s Defence Force ×270% Tin Oo ×270% Myanmar ×280% Hpapun ×790%

Keywords

myanmar election 100% ghost town 90% hpapun 90% military government 80% rebel groups 80% ongoing fighting 70% people’s defence force 60% landmines 60% sham election 50% military junta 40%