Myanmar’s military junta completed the first and second phases of its planned elections on 28 December 2025 and 11 January 2026, respectively. These phases form a central part of the junta’s effort to project political normalization following the 2021 coup.

However, both phases were conducted amid ongoing armed conflict, mass displacement, widespread repression, and severe restrictions on political participation and information flows.

Throughout these phases, voting was limited to selected areas under military control, while large parts of the country, particularly conflict-affected and ethnic regions, were excluded. Political parties operated under restrictive registration laws, voters faced coercion and legal uncertainty, and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) continued without transparency, independent verification, or public education. At the same time, the junta tightly managed narratives around turnout, security, and legitimacy, while restricting independent observation and media access.

In Season 3 Episode 2 of “The Election Observer” podcast, ANFREL will provide a post–elections assessment of Myanmar’s elections following phase one and two and examine electoral integrity across the broader political, legal, security, and rights environment.

Joining us in this episode are: Debbie Stothard of ALTSEAN-Burma, Khin Ohmar of Progressive Voice Myanmar, Nick of Sham Election Tracker Working Group and Tharindu Abeyrathna of ANFREL.

Catch the new episode live on 21 January 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Bangkok time. “The Election Observer” podcast streams via ANFREL’s Facebook and LinkedIn Pages and Youtube channel. The episode streams via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.