Myanmar to hold third phase of election voting on January 25 - reports

Myanmar will hold the third phase of voting for its general election on January 25, the state media announced on Friday. The poll plan comes amid a raging civil war in the Southeast Asian nation.

The first two phases of voting are scheduled for December 28 and January 11, covering a total of 202 townships out of 330. The third phase will take place in 63 townships, according to the ruling junta’s announcement published by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Dates for the counting of votes and the announcement of election results have not yet been declared.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has previously acknowledged that the election will not be held nationwide, as the military continues to fight an armed resistance that has strengthened since the 2021 coup.

Analysts say the military’s move from the battlefield to the ballot box, aimed at establishing a stable administration, faces long odds. The junta, however, insists the election enjoys popular support.

—Reporting by Shoon Naing; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by David Stanway/Reuters