Myanmar’s military rulers have announced that the country will hold a third phase of voting for its general election on January 25, despite an ongoing civil war.
State media reported on Friday that the first phase of voting will take place on December 28, followed by the second phase on January 11. Together, the two rounds will cover 202 out of Myanmar’s 330 townships.
The ruling junta said the third phase will be held in 63 townships, according to a statement published in the state-run newspaper.
The authorities have not yet announced dates for vote counting or the release of election results.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has already admitted that the election will not be held across the entire country, as the military continues to battle armed resistance groups that gained strength after the 2021 coup.
Analysts say the military’s move from fighting on the battlefield to holding elections is an attempt to establish a stable administration, but they believe the plan faces serious challenges. The junta, however, maintains that the election has public support.
