Myanmar has officially commenced its landmark 2025 multiparty general election, marking a significant political event for the Southeast Asian nation. The first phase of voting took place across the country on Sunday, December 28, 2025, setting in motion a complex electoral process designed to shape the country's future government.
A Three-Phase Electoral Process
The Union Election Commission has structured the general election across three distinct phases. The initial voting occurred on December 28, 2025. The second phase is now scheduled for January 11, 2026, with the final round of polling to be held on January 25, 2026. This staggered approach covers a total of 692 constituencies nationwide.
Voter participation is facilitated through a vast network of 21,517 polling stations established across Myanmar. The election features a highly competitive field, with approximately 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties contesting for seats. They are vying for positions in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and the various State and Region Hluttaws.
New Systems and Broader Participation
This election introduces major changes to Myanmar's electoral framework. Unlike previous polls, the country has adopted the mixed-member proportional (MMP) representation system. As reported by the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar, this system combines the traditional first-past-the-post method with proportional representation, potentially leading to a more diverse parliament.
Another significant innovation is the deployment of the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine, aimed at modernizing the voting process. The Ministry of Information also confirmed that Myanmar citizens living overseas have already cast their advance votes at the country's embassies and consulates worldwide, ensuring broader citizen participation.
Path to a New Government
The ultimate outcome of this general election will determine the elected members of the Union Parliament, which comprises both the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw, as well as the State and Region Parliaments. Following the election, the newly formed Union Parliament will have the critical task of electing a president. The chosen president will then proceed to form a new Union Government, setting the administrative course for the coming years.
The electoral process is under observation by international teams, with monitors from several countries already present in Myanmar to oversee the polls. This election follows the previous general election held in November 2020, making it a closely watched event for regional stability and democratic transition in Southeast Asia.
