CNI News

3 January 2026

Following Phase (1) of Myanmar’s election held on December 28, 2025, the public has been closely watching to see whether the People’s Party (PP) and the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) won any seats.

Phase (1) of the election was held on December 28 across 102 townships nationwide. Contrary to what many people are saying—that they did not win anywhere—U Saw Han Aye, Vice Chair of the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), told CNI News that this was not entirely true.

He said: “Under the FPTP system, PPP did not win any seats in the constituencies we contested. However, we have heard that some ethnic representatives won about two seats. But the vote counting is not yet complete. Votes have not been fully counted across entire states and regions, so we cannot say for certain about those ethnic representatives. As for FPTP, no one has won. Under the FPTP system, we did not win seats in either the Pyithu Hluttaw or the regional/state hluttaws. We still need to wait for the Amyotha Hluttaw results. To be frank, we did not expect to lose this badly. The main problem is that, honestly, we do not know how many advance votes there were or how many we received. However, votes cast in person by the public appear to have been for various parties and independent candidates. The rest likely came from the core supporters of the larger party. Voter turnout was low in some areas, while in others it exceeded 50 percent. This means we need to encourage more people to come out and vote in Phase (2) and Phase (3).”

People checking voter lists

In Myanmar’s election, six parties are competing nationwide. These are the People’s Party (PP), the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), the Farmers Development Party, and the National Unity Party (Ta Sa Nya).

Among these, PP and PPP were expected to receive strong public support, but due to very low voter turnout, they achieved limited victories. The USDP reportedly won about 80 percent nationwide; however, critics point out that USDP’s victories were influenced by advance votes and complicated voter lists.

The People’s Party (PP) won one regional Hluttaw seat in the Myeik constituency of Tanintharyi Region, but this result is currently under dispute due to an objection filed by the USDP.

Regarding Phase (1), PP Chair U Ko Ko Gyi told CNI News that after the USDP and the National Unity Party, the People’s Party ranked second.

He said: “According to our preliminary vote lists, we won all three seats in Myeik—the Pyithu Hluttaw, the regional Hluttaw, and the Amyotha Hluttaw. In the final confirmed results, we clearly won one seat in the regional Hluttaw. The remaining vote lists have still not been released. In other areas such as Yamethin and elsewhere, our vote results are also quite strong.

Voters casting ballots

Overall, after the USDP and the National Unity Party, our party stands second in some areas and third in others in terms of total votes received. We believed—and hoped—that the upcoming parliament would be truly diverse in composition. In the past, everyone has experienced parliaments dominated by a single party. Therefore, we wanted this parliament to be appropriately diverse. However, judging from the Phase (1) results, it appears to be moving back toward a single-party-dominated structure.”

In Phase (1) of the election held on December 28, most candidates from the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) led by Daw Thet Thet Khaing, the Arakan Front Party (AFP) led by Dr. Aye Maung, and the People’s Party (PP) led by U Ko Ko Gyi were defeated, with only a small number winning seats.

Phase (1) of Myanmar’s election has now concluded. Phase (2) will be held on January 11, 2026, in 100 townships, and Phase (3) will be held on January 25 in 63 townships.

Overall, the election involves 6 union-level parties, 51 regional or state-level parties, totaling 57 political parties, along with 4,863 independent candidates.

CNI News

3 January 2026

The intensifying battles in Bhamo Township, Kachin State, are a result of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) seeking leverage in negotiations with China, according to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), a signatory of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

Fighting resumed in Bhamo on December 25, 2025, and has currently escalated to include almost the entire town.

Meanwhile, on December 25, the Naypyidaw authorities announced that the third phase of the 2026 General Election, scheduled for January 25, would include Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk, Hpakant, and Shwegu townships in Kachin State.

Colonel Khun Okkar told CNI News that the current battle for Bhamo is not intended for long-term occupation but is being fought as a strategic move for bargaining.

KIA leader General N'Ban La

"The battles in Bhamo and similar areas are 'face-saving' battles. Both sides know these fights will eventually stall because China itself is involved. At some point, China might tell the KIA to stop the Bhamo offensive. The KIA is likely waiting for that moment. When told to stop, the KIA can then negotiate: 'If we stop, which border gates will you reopen? What rights will you restore?' They want bargaining power. They are fighting to gain that leverage for an exchange. It’s not about holding Bhamo permanently; it’s about territory control to secure bargaining power when a deal arises. We saw this with Lashio, Hsipaw, and Kyaukme. Once deals were struck, those towns returned to the control of the Tatmadaw. Everything is part of the bargaining process. So, whether they can fully capture Bhamo or not, the act of fighting is for the sake of the deal. If they give and take without fighting, what will they get in return? That is the key," he said.

While fighting is currently intense in Bhamo, the KIA has already captured and occupied the towns of Mansi and Momauk since 2024.

However, according to a statement released on the night of December 27, 2025, elections will not be held in 1,002 village tracts and 62 wards in Kachin, Chin, Shan, Rakhine, Karen States,Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Bago, Mandalay and Ayeyarwady Regions, including 43 village tracts in Bhamo, 43 in Mansi, 65 in Momauk, 39 in Shwegu, and 8 in Hpakant.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an observer of China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that both the KIA and China hold their own "cards," and it remains to be seen how they will trade them.

"The KIA has cards, and China has cards. China can close or open economic trade routes. On the other hand, the KIA controls rare earth minerals. They could choose not to sell to China or divert them elsewhere. I can't say exactly how they will negotiate. China’s primary goal is peace and stability along its border with Myanmar. How the KIA utilizes that, I am not sure," she said.

Kachin ethnic people

Additionally, a report by the US-based Silicon Valley Times claimed that a secret agreement was signed between the KIA and India in December 2025, uncovered through special intelligence investigations.

The Silicon Valley Times reported that based on satellite imagery and cross-border intelligence, India is constructing a 365-kilometer road from Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh to rare earth mines in Chipwi, Kachin State.

This road, allegedly built without the permission of the Myanmar military or government, would allow India access to Myanmar’s rare earth resources. In exchange, India would provide the KIA with weapons, medicine, and other logistics. The partnership also reportedly includes a secret plan for a second strategic road connecting the KIA headquarters in Laiza through Sagaing Region to Rihkhawdar in Chin State.

CNI News

2 January 2026

In Phase 1 of Myanmar’s 2025 election, held on December 28, 2025, more than 6.09 million voters cast their ballots out of over 11.6 million eligible voters, according to the Union Election Commission (UEC) speaking to CNI News.

Myanmar’s election is being conducted in three phases. Phase 1 was held on December 28, 2025, Phase 2 will be held on January 11, 2026, and Phase 3 will be held on January 25, 2026.

Phase 1, completed on December 28, 2025, was conducted in 102 townships.

The UEC also told CNI News that around 24.26 million people in total are eligible to vote across Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the election in Myanmar.

CNI News

2 January 2026

In Phase 1 of the 2025 election, held on December 28, 2025, the Shanni Kyar Min (King Tiger) Party achieved a decisive victory in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, according to Sai Naing Naing Kyaw, Chairperson of the Shanni (Tai Leng) Solidarity Party (SSP), speaking to CNI News.

Known locally as the “Kyar Min Party,” the Shanni party won seats in the People’s Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw), National Assembly (Amyotha Hluttaw), and Regional Assembly constituencies within Homalin Township.

Phase 1 of the election was held on December 28, 2025,. Phase 2 will be held on January 11, 2026, and Phase 3 on January 25, 2026.

Based on ground information from Phase 1, the Shanni (Tai Leng) Solidarity Party is believed to have secured victory in both the Pyithu Hluttaw seats and the Regional Hluttaw seats in Homalin Township, said SSP Chairperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw.

Homalin town (Shanni Voice)

He stated: “As the Kyar Min Party, we are only competing in Sagaing Region, and we have fielded 40 candidates. Since only Phase 1 has been completed, we cannot yet say how many seats we will win overall. But in a first-past-the-post system, as I mentioned earlier, we are certain to have won in Homalin — both the Pyithu Hluttaw seats and the Regional Hluttaw seats — based on available ground data. The Election Commission has not officially announced the results yet, but from what we have on the ground, we can confidently say we have won those constituencies in Homalin under the FPTP system.”

Only three-quarters of Homalin Township was able to participate in Phase 1 of the election. Due to security concerns, elections could not be held in Uru Chaung, Nat Nan regions, and surrounding village tracts.

However, according to SSP Chairperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw, voter turnout in Homalin and Khamti townships was around 60%, though there were some shortcomings regarding the voter lists.

Shanni (Tai Leng) Solidarity Party (SSP)

He added: “On December 28, people came out to vote in Homalin and Khamti. We see this as an election comparable to a regular election. Based on available information, voter turnout was around 50% to 60%. Everyone is showing strong interest in the election. But we have noticed some weaknesses concerning the basic voter lists. For example, some people appeared in the voters’ list in the first and second editions, but disappeared in the final edition. Another issue: siblings with the same parents faced different eligibility status for ethnic votes. For instance, during ethnic voting for Shanni representatives, the younger brother was allowed to cast an ethnic Shanni vote, but the older brother was not eligible — cases like that were also found.”

In Homalin Township, two SSP candidates won: Sai Naing Naing Kyaw — Pyithu Hluttaw seat, Sai San Hla Soe — Regional Assembly seat.

CNI News
1 January 2026

Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of the National Defense and Security Council, said that the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) assumed national responsibility because it could not avoid doing so, in order to prevent the emergence of a dictatorship under the name of democracy.

He made this remark on December 30, in relation to Phase 1 of the election, which was held on December 28, 2025.

Major General Zaw Min Tun said:

“As the government, due to electoral fraud committed by the ruling government and the NLD party in the 2020 election, we had to take national responsibility because we could not let the multi-party democratic system that the nation was advancing towards be destroyed, nor allow a dictatorship under the name of democracy to emerge.

From the moment we began taking responsibility, we laid down objectives to fulfil the desire of the people — to restore a multi-party democratic system. We have always aimed to hold a multi-party democratic general election.”

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing casting his vote

In November 2020, a general election was held in Myanmar, in which the National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a landslide.

More than 30 political parties and the Myanmar military requested the re-examination of disputed voter lists.

However, the military claimed that the NLD party and the NLD government did not resolve the voter list disputes and instead proceeded to form a government.

As a result, on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the NLD government, declared a state of emergency, and took control of the country.

On that same day, February 1, 2021, the NLD government was preparing to convene the parliament, and foreign diplomats had been invited as witnesses.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting foreign diplomats observing the election

Currently, the Myanmar military is holding the election in three phases.

Phase 1 was held on December 28, 2025.Phase 2 will be held on January 11, 2026, and Phase 3 will follow on January 25, 2026.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief, has said that after the election, the military will hand over state power to the political party that wins, and that the military will only continue to serve national defense duties.

CNI News
1 January 2026

While Phase 1 of Myanmar’s election was being held on December 28, 2025, 11 townships across the country were attacked by Spring Revolution forces, according to Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of the State Defense and Security Council.

Major General Zaw Min Tun made the above statement in connection with the holding of Phase 1 of the election on December 30, 2025.

He said:

“The state-destroying terrorists and state-destroying media that are constantly bringing every kind of suffering to Myanmar and its people have always been plotting how to disturb and sabotage the election, and have been carrying out sabotage activities. They carried out threats, long-range artillery attacks, mine explosions, blocking vehicles of citizens coming to vote, dropping bombs with drones, and spreading misinformation — using various methods.

Up until December 28, the day the election was held, we witnessed short-range rocket attacks, mine explosions, and blockades in 11 townships located in Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Tanintharyi Region, Sagaing Region, and Mandalay Region.

People waiting to cast their votes

However, with cooperation between security personnel, election officials, and the public in those townships, we were able to successfully hold the election.”

On December 27 and 28, Spring Revolution forces attacked 11 townships, namely Myawaddy, Loikaw, Nyaung-U, Katha, Mandalay, Myitkyina, Shwebo, Sagaing, Myingyan, Mottama, and Tamu, using drone-dropped bombs, short-range rockets, and small and heavy weapons.

In Katha Township, joint forces of KIA and PDF launched an offensive to seize the township on December 28, while some PDF units also came onto the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and carried out inspections on passenger vehicles.

In Myanmar, Phase 2 of the election will be held on January 11, 2026, and Phase 3 will be held on January 25, 2026.

During Phase 1 of the election on December 28, 2025, over 11.6 million people were eligible to vote, and more than 6.09 million cast their ballots, according to the Union Election Commission (UEC), speaking to CNI News.

CNI News

31 December 2025

The Chairman of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), U Sai Aik Pao, told CNI News that he is dissatisfied with the recently concluded Phase 1 of the election and feels that it was conducted unfairly.

In Myanmar, Phase 1 of the election commenced on December 28, 2025. Phase 2 is scheduled for January 11, 2026, and Phase 3 for January 25, 2026.

U Sai Aik Pao expressed his lack of satisfaction regarding the first phase of the multi-party democratic general election.

"I am not satisfied. There was a massive influx of advance votes, while the number of people actually coming out to vote was low. Furthermore, there was no transparency regarding these advance votes; parties were not invited to witness the process. Right now, the situation with advance votes is very messy. I simply feel that there is no fairness," said U Sai Aik Pao.

Despite inquiries regarding the number of eligible advance voters and the total number of advance ballots cast, the Union Election Commission (UEC) has neither released official data nor provided answers.

People checking lists to cast their votes.

Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo, Chairwoman of the Karen People's Party (KPP), told CNI News that public voter turnout was very weak and the process was unsatisfactory, leading many voters to lose their right to vote.

"From what I know, the turnout was very low. To be frank, there were hardly any people. This is due to a lack of technical expertise and the fact that different areas were following different formats—it was inconsistent. There were also many difficulties on the ground. For instance, ethnic voters have been unable to vote for their respective Ethnic Affairs Ministers; this happened in 2010, 2015, 2020, and now again in 2025.

Regarding the public, many found their names on the first preliminary voter list, but by the second list, they were gone. They reported this to the UEC with their IDs and were told they would be on the third list, but they were still missing. I believe this is a result of incompetence. Many errors are surfacing in the current operations. So many people couldn't vote. These are major human's weaknesses," she said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with those who were about to vote

Revolutionary forces have issued statements urging the public not to vote or participate in the military-organized election, warning that effective action will be taken against those who collaborate. Consequently, many citizens faced difficulties casting their ballots due to security fears.

Conversely, some voters whose names were on the list were torn between whether to vote or not. They feared that if they stayed away for security reasons, authorities might cause trouble for them later, given that Ward Administrators hold all their household registration data.

As of now, it is reported that in the Phase 1 elections held on December 28, 2025:

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has claimed victory in 80% of constituencies nationwide.

The USDP has reportedly won all seats in the Yangon Region and the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.

CNI News

31 December 2025

Military and political observers are analyzing how the current Acting President, Commander in Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, might be nominated for the office of the President once the parliament (Hluttaw) is formed following the Myanmar elections.

In the multi-party democratic general elections held in 2010, 2015, and 2020, three individuals were nominated for the presidency: one by the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), one by the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and one by the Military.

The parliament then decides among these three candidates. According to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), historical election trends show that the nominee from the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) usually becomes the President.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

He suggested that a majority of representatives in the Pyithu Hluttaw would likely approve and nominate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for the presidency.

Colonel Khun Okkar explained the typical breakdown as follows:

Pyithu Hluttaw Nominee: Usually becomes the President.

Amyotha Hluttaw Nominee: Usually becomes a Vice President (often representing ethnic nationalities, such as former VPs Sai Mauk Kham or Henry Van Thio).

Military Nominee: Usually becomes Vice President (1).

"While three departments nominate three names, the person nominated by the Pyithu Hluttaw is most likely to become the President. Traditionally, the Military's nominee becomes Vice President. We cannot say for certain if the Military will nominate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, but even if they do, he would likely be a Vice President under that process. I believe the Pyithu Hluttaw will be the one to nominate him. With the 25% MPs from the military already there, combined with the majority party in the Pyithu Hluttaw, the person nominated by that majority has the highest potential to become President," said Colonel Khun Okkar.

When Senior General Min Aung Hlaing cast his vote in Nay Pyi Taw during Phase 1 of the election on December 28, media outlets asked whether he would take the presidency after the election.

He responded by stating that he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services and a civil servant, not a political party leader; therefore, he cannot simply say he "wants" to be President. He noted that the presidential selection process would only occur when the parliament is convened, and that would be the appropriate time to speak on the matter.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an observer of China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that the presidency is a personal goal for the Senior General, and he is likely to pursue it by any means necessary.

"He might be staying quiet because he isn't certain yet, or he might just be waiting to announce it when the time comes. During the 2020 election, he made various claims about the people's choice before the coup. Even now, while he says it can only be discussed after the election, he will likely take the presidency if he wants to. His words aren't entirely reliable. Since becoming President is his personal ambition, he will definitely make it happen. We have to wait and see what methods he uses to make it look acceptable to the public," Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw said.

Phase 1 of the multi-party general election was held on December 28. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is reportedly winning in the majority of constituencies nationwide, bolstered by a strong lead in advance votes.

Although all phases of the election are not yet complete, political and military analysts point out that the policies of the new government are unlikely to change and will likely follow the current path laid out by the Commander-in-Chief.

CNI News
30 December 2025

The election held in Myanmar is a result of an agreement between Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Mr. Deng Xijun, the Chinese Special Envoy who arrived as an election observer.

The first phase of Myanmar’s election was held on December 28, 2025. International monitoring teams from countries including China (led by Mr. Deng Xijun), India, Russia, Belarus, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam were sent to observe the process.

Mr. Deng Xijun stated, "I believe that implementing these elections is a realization of the agreements and friendship established between our President Mr. Xi Jinping and Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing."

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese President Xi Jinping twice in 2025:

May 9, 2025: Their first meeting took place in Moscow, Russia.

August 30, 2025: Their second meeting took place in Tianjin, China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and President Xi Jinping seen together.

Mr. Deng Xijun noted that based on their observations, the election process appeared generally smooth and successful.

"China and Myanmar are engaged in extensive cooperation, and we are aware that China is providing significant support to Myanmar. Yesterday, we visited six polling stations in Nay Pyi Taw. During our observation, we found everything to be generally in good order. The polling station preparations and operations were systematic and excellent. We saw that careful arrangements were made to ensure a peaceful environment for voters," said Mr. Deng Xijun.

He added that during the visits, they observed voters waiting securely and calmly to cast their ballots.

While the first phase of the election took place on December 28 and international observers visited stations in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, the period was marked by significant conflict.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Mr. Deng Xijun seen together.

On December 27 and 28, eleven towns—including Mandalay, Myitkyina, Sagaing, Shwebo, Monywa, Katha, Nyaung-U, Myingyan, Madaya, Myawaddy, and Loikaw—came under attack from drone bombs, rockets, and heavy weaponry.

Additionally, PDF forces reportedly conducted inspections on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, and on December 28, KIA-PDF joint forces launched an offensive to seize the town of Katha.

The remaining phases of the election are scheduled as follows:  Phase 2: January 11, 2026, Phase 3: January 25, 2026.