Myanmar will hold the final round of its planned election on January 25. The vote is run by the ruling military. It comes after a coup in 2021 and years of conflict across the country. The main keyword is "Myanmar election."
The plan was confirmed by the junta's Union Election Commission. The first vote is on December 28. A second vote is set for January 11. The military says the election will restore order. Rights groups warn it will not be free or fair.
The military controls most parts of the process. According to Reuters, many watchdogs say the vote is a tool to extend military rule. They say the junta wants to show a false picture of democracy. Rebel forces control large areas of the country. Many voters may not reach polling sites.
Aung San Suu Kyi remains in jail. Her party was dismantled. This makes the race one-sided. Only parties close to the military can run in many places. The junta has also passed tough laws. These laws punish anyone who speaks against the vote.
The final round will happen in 63 townships. There are 330 townships in Myanmar. Many areas remain active conflict zones. The military says it will protect voters. But fighting has increased in several northern and eastern regions. This raises new safety concerns.
The election may shape Myanmar's future for years. Military chief Min Aung Hlaing says the vote will bring peace. Many people inside the country do not trust this claim. Rebel groups want real talks, not staged polls. The United Nations has warned that rights abuses are rising ahead of the vote.
The country has lived under military rule for most of its history. A short civilian era brought hope from 2011 to 2020. That hope collapsed when the military seized power again. Today, many communities face violence, shortages, and fear. The coming vote is unlikely to change that quickly.
Analysts say the result seems clear. Pro-military parties will likely win most seats. But the conflict will not stop. Many armed groups continue to gain ground. The election may deepen the divide instead of healing it.