Myanmar has conducted the first phase of a general election, marking the country's first trip to the polls since the military seized power in a coup. The voting took place on Sunday 28 December 2025, under the shadow of an ongoing civil war and widespread international condemnation.
A Vote Under Military Rule
The election is being administered entirely under the authority of the nation's military junta. While presented as a step towards civilian governance, the process has been heavily criticised by opposition groups, international observers, and human rights organisations. They argue that the conditions for a free and fair vote are impossible amidst the current conflict and political repression.
Critics Decry a Political Facade
The primary criticism levelled at the election is that it serves as a carefully orchestrated facade designed to legitimise military control. Detractors state that the poll is being used to create a veneer of democratic civilian rule, while actual power remains firmly with the armed forces. The election is not recognised by many nations as a legitimate democratic exercise.
Context of Conflict and Control
The voting occurred against the stark backdrop of a protracted civil war that has ravaged the country since the coup. Significant portions of the population, particularly in conflict zones, are effectively disenfranchised or unable to participate safely. The military's tight control over media and political organisation further calls the credibility of the entire electoral process into serious question.
The event was documented by Associated Press photographers, with a curated photo gallery released by AP photo editors showing voters casting their ballots. These images provide a visual record of the day, though they cannot capture the complex and fraught political reality surrounding the poll.
