Myanmar embarked on a landmark democratic exercise today as voting commenced in the first phase of its 2025 multiparty general elections. This three-stage electoral process, continuing through January 2026, represents the country's most extensive political mobilization in five years.
Nearly 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties are vying for representation across 692 parliamentary constituencies. The elections will determine composition of both the national Union Parliament – comprising Pyithu Hluttaw (lower house) and Amyotha Hluttaw (upper house) – and regional legislatures.
Significant electoral reforms mark this year's process, including the debut of a Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system combining direct constituency voting with party-list representation. The Union Election Commission has operationalized 21,517 polling stations nationwide, supplemented by Myanmar's first electronic voting machines.
"This phased approach allows thorough monitoring and logistical coordination," stated a commission spokesperson, noting that international observation teams have already begun their work. Overseas voters completed advance voting through diplomatic missions last week.
The final results will shape Myanmar's political trajectory through 2030, with the new Union Parliament tasked with electing the next president and forming a government. Subsequent voting phases are scheduled for January 11 and 25, 2026, concluding a 29-day electoral marathon.
