Myanmar is set to begin a phased national election on December 28, the first vote in five years since the military seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted an elected civilian government. The election is widely described by critics and international observers as neither free nor fair, with key opposition figures and parties barred or jailed, and voting taking place amid ongoing civil conflict. The military government is seeking to use the vote to bolster its political legitimacy while the country continues to face displacement, economic strain, and humanitarian need.

Highlights:

• How voting works: Authorities have prepared electronic polling equipment and other voting materials ahead of the weekend’s balloting, reflecting the logistics of running a vote under tight security conditions.
• Voices abroad: Some in Myanmar’s diaspora say the planned election deepens a sense of lost opportunity after the country’s earlier opening, pointing to steep inflation and a worsening economic outlook since the coup.
• On-the-ground mood: BBC reporting from inside the country describes voters who expect to cast ballots but feel constrained about expressing genuine political preferences under military rule.
• Junta strategy: Commentary in Indian media frames the vote as an attempt by the military leadership to shift the struggle from battlefield dynamics to an electoral process that could formalize its control.
• Daily life persists: Despite the political crisis, scenes from Yangon show ordinary routines continuing in public spaces and at religious sites as the election approaches.

Perspectives:

• Myanmar military government: The military authorities are proceeding with phased elections starting December 28 as a national vote after the coup-era delay, presenting it as a step in political administration. (NPR)
• United Nations leadership: The U.N. secretary-general has said the election will be anything but free and fair, aligning with broader international criticism of the process. (NPR)
• Myanmar residents interviewed by journalists: Some voters describe participating despite fear and resignation, suggesting the ballot does not reflect their true political wishes. (BBC News)
• Myanmar diaspora voices: Some abroad view the election as a “charade” and connect it to a broader collapse in economic prospects since the 2021 takeover. (South China Morning Post)

Sources:

• Myanmar's first election in five years begins – but experts warn it's a sham - abc.net.au
• Myanmar goes to polls amid civil war and humanitarian crisis - thehindu.com
• ‘Lost my future’: Myanmar’s ‘charade’ election dims hopes of diaspora - scmp.com
• As Myanmar goes to polls, country's junta will witness a shift from battlefield to ballots - firstpost.com
• 'We will vote but not with our hearts': Inside the election staged by Myanmar's military rulers - bbc.com
• Myanmar is set to hold phased elections. Here's why they're being called a 'sham' - npr.org
• In Myanmar, the Election Is Called Fake, but the Human Suffering Is Real - nytimes.com
• GLIMPSES: Prepping polling machines ahead of Myanmar's weekend election - abcnews.go.com