Video: Myanmar’s military holds first election since 2021 coup

Myanmar's military government is holding an election on December 28, 2025, the first since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Voting is taking place under heavy restrictions. The election is occurring despite ongoing conflict and instability in the country. Al Jazeera reports from a polling station in Yangon, providing details on the electoral process. The purpose of the election is to establish a new government under military control, following the coup.

Myanmar's military junta held the first phase of a multi-stage election on Sunday, widely criticized as a "sham" due to the dissolution of major parties, imprisonment of leaders, and ongoing civil war preventing voting in large areas. The election, taking place nearly five years after the military coup, is seen by observers as an attempt by the junta to legitimize its power amid a devastating stalemate. Over 200 people have been charged for opposing the polls, facing severe punishments. The first day of voting was marked by reports of explosions and airstrikes in multiple regions, causing casualties. Despite the violence and criticism, the junta claims the election aims to return the country to a multi-party democratic system.