Myanmar Elections Conclude Amidst Intense Scrutiny and Civil War

Sat Jan 31 2026 19:07:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The final round of voting in Myanmar's controversial elections has closed, raising questions about the legitimacy of the military-backed regime amidst ongoing civil conflict.

Polls in Myanmar have closed after a final round of voting deemed a 'sham' by critics, as many popular parties were excluded and large areas of the country boycotted the process due to civil war. The military's Union Solidarity and Development Party is expected to secure a sweeping victory despite international condemnation.

Polls in Myanmar have closed after a third and final stage of voting in what are widely viewed as sham elections.

Many popular parties are banned from standing and voting has not been possible in large areas of the country because of a five-year-long civil war.

The dominant party backed by the ruling military junta is expected to win a landslide victory.

The current regime has rejected international criticism of the election, maintaining that it is free and fair.

Around one-fifth of the country's 330 townships, including major cities Yangon and Mandalay, participated in this round. Six parties, including the USDP, fielded candidates while 51 parties contested at state and regional levels.

No stranger to scandal, the electoral process has been marked by intimidation of voters and strict monitoring of polling stations. The BBC reported a pervasive atmosphere of fear, where individuals refrained from expressing opinions about the vote.

The military seized control of Myanmar in a coup in 2021, ousting Aung San Suu Kyi's government. As the situation evolves, debates may emerge from increased voices in politics, although the military retains significant power.

As the final results are awaited, speculation grows around Gen Min Aung Hlaing's imminent ascendancy to the presidency, reflecting the continuity of military rule cloaked in civilian governance.

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