Myanmar's Second Election Phase Sees Low Turnout

Myanmar's military-led government proceeded with the second phase of its general election on Sunday, January 11, amid low voter turnout and heightened security in 100 townships across the country. The voting, part of a three-phase process covering only 265 of the nation's 330 townships due to ongoing armed conflicts, saw the promilitary Union Solidarity and Development Party secure key victories, including the parliamentary seat once held by detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the Yangon region's Kawhmu constituency.

Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. in areas including parts of Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, and Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah, and Kayin states. Many of these locations have experienced recent clashes between government forces and opposition armed groups, prompting tight security measures. Observers reported sparse crowds at stations in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, with turnout appearing significantly lower than the 2020 election, where long lines were common. In some townships, only about 150 voters participated, according to local accounts. The military government, which claimed a 52 percent turnout in the first...