Myanmar schedules third phase of voting for January 25

Myanmar soldiers from the 77th light infantry division walk along a street during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, February 28, 2021. Picture taken February 28, 2021.

Myanmar has announced plans to hold a third phase of voting in its general election on January 25, even as the country remains gripped by an ongoing civil war.

The first two phases of the election are scheduled for December 28 and January 11, covering 202 townships out of the country’s total 330.

According to the ruling junta, the third phase will take place in 63 townships. However, dates for vote counting and the release of official results have yet to be announced.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has previously said the election will not be conducted nationwide, citing continued fighting with armed resistance groups that have expanded since the 2021 military takeover.

Analysts say the military’s move toward an electoral process, aimed at projecting stability and forming a civilian-style administration, faces significant challenges, despite the junta’s claims of public backing.