Name: Polls close in first ballot of Myanmars general election since coup
Uploaded: 2026-01-02T14:01:37.647Z
Duration: 58 s
Description: Final results are expected to be announced by February after two more rounds of voting are completed, but the ballot is widely being criticised and dismissed as a sham.

Final results are expected to be announced by February after two more rounds of voting are completed, but the ballot is widely being criticised and dismissed as a sham.

Naypyidaw

Myanmar has concluded the initial phase of its general election, marking the first ballot since the military coup that occurred nearly five years ago. The voting took place amid reports of explosions and airstrikes in several regions, with the final results pending completion of two additional voting rounds scheduled for January.

The election has faced widespread criticism, with major political parties dissolved, opposition leaders jailed, and a significant portion of the population unable to vote due to ongoing civil war. Observers note that the ruling junta, supported by China, is seeking to legitimize its hold on power, while the United Nations reports that more than 3.6 million people have been displaced by the conflict.

Polls close in first ballot of Myanmar's general election since coup

The first of three phases of voting has finished in Myanmar in an election that comes nearly five years after the military seized power in a coup. Polling began on Sunday with reports of explosions and airstrikes across multiple regions in the country. Final results will not be known until after two more rounds of voting are completed in January. But, the ballot has widely been dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved, leaders jailed and as much as half the country not expected to vote due to an ongoing civil war. Observers say the junta, with China's support, is seeking to legitimise its power as it seeks a way out of the devastating stalemate in the country. The ensuing civil war has left more than 3.6 million people displaced, according to the United Nations.

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Jerusalem

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New York

Mayor Zohran Mamdani inaugurated at New York’s City Hall

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Mamdani becomes New York City mayor

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Crans-Montana

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Helsinki

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Al Mukalla

Saudi Arabia bombs port in Yemen

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Kuala Lumpur

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Krong Poi Pet

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Head of Yemen's presidential council, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, says UAE-backed forces in the country should leave within 24 hours.

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Florida

Trump warns Iran of possible strike, urges Hamas to disarm

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Breakdown