CNI News

6 January 2026

Following the conclusion of Phase 1 of the multi-party democratic general election on December 28, 2025, the majority of political parties lost to the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) due to advance votes.

Citing a lack of transparency regarding advance voting, the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP/White Tiger Party), the People’s Party (PP), and the Myanmar Farmers' Development Party have sent formal letters of concern to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Sai Aik Pao, Chairman of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), told CNI News that while the law requires a list of advance voters to be posted at polling stations on election day, most stations failed to do so. As a result, parties remain in the dark about who actually cast these votes.

"We don’t know who gave those advance votes," he said. "We weren't informed of the data when the votes were cast. Legally, the list of advance voters must be posted, but it wasn't. Furthermore, representatives or parties should be invited when advance votes are collected. I believe our letter will be effective; we are also speaking out in the media."

Sai Aik Pao and U Ko Ko Gyi

Lack of Notification and Participation Parties reported that they were not notified during the actual collection of advance votes and were only invited during the counting process.

U Mann Aung Pyi Soe, Chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP), told CNI:

"Parties should be widely informed about the advance voting process. They do call us to come and observe the counting, but there are many times we cannot attend because we have to prioritize campaign activities. That is a point I want to emphasize."

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of Yangon Watch, told CNI that such representations by political parties are positive as they play a vital role in ensuring fair and free elections. She expressed hope that the Election Commission (UEC) would handle instances of malpractice according to the law.

"The parties' submissions will help future elections. I believe the Election Commission can better supervise weaknesses at the grassroots level based on these reports. If they don’t speak up, neither the UEC nor the Senior General will know what is happening on the ground. While I welcome this feedback, ultimately, everyone must generally recognize the election results," she added.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and political parties

The Union Election Commission (UEC) issued a statement explaining that: Overseas Advance Votes: Handled by embassies and consulates within the designated period in accordance with Section 47 of the relevant Election Law. These were counted transparently in front of party representatives on December 25, 2025.

Out-of-Constituency Advance Votes: Counted by 4:00 PM on December 26, 2025, with parties invited to observe.

In-Constituency Advance Votes: Collected between December 18 and 27 for those unable to visit polling stations. These were handed over to polling station officers before 6:00 AM on election day (December 28).

The UEC maintained that results of these advance votes have already been posted at relevant sub-commission offices for public viewing.

Impact on Phase 2, Following the controversies in Phase 1, reports indicate that for Election Phase 2, candidates and political parties are being more actively invited to observe the advance voting process. Consequently, candidates competing in Phase 2 are now closely monitoring the collection and handling of these votes to avoid a repeat of the previous issues.

CNI News

6 January 2026

It has been learned that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) has taken up troop positions in order to gain control of Pansaung town (area), located in Nanyun Township of the Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Region, which serves as a border trade exit point between Myanmar and India.

The NSCN-K/AM told CNI News Agency that its Naga armed unit has been deployed and assigned duties in the Pansaung area of Nanyun Township in the Naga region of Myanmar. According to the group, the unit arrived in Pansaung town on January 1, 2026.

The group stated: “We respectfully and sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to the respected leaders and beloved local people of Pansaung town for warmly welcoming our Naga armed unit. The primary responsibilities of the Naga armed unit in this area are to ensure the security and safety of the people, to maintain peace and stability, and to encourage and promote comprehensive development activities in Pansaung town and surrounding areas.”

The Pansaung border gate

Pansaung town is an extremely important strategic area for the Naga region, as it is the only border trade exit point with India.

The NSCN-K/YA (Khaplang/Yung Aung) faction is also actively deploying and operating troops in the Pansaung area.

In addition, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been holding discussions and negotiations with Naga armed groups in an effort to gain control over the Pansaung area and the border trade exit point.

It is reported that India, Myanmar, and China have agreed to renovate the Stillwell Road, also known as the Ledo Road. Under this agreement, India will take responsibility for the section from Pansaung and Nanyun to Mohnyin–Mogaung, while China will be responsible for the section from Mohnyin–Mogaung to the Lweje border trade gate.

Myanmar Tatmadaw officers and NSCN-K/AM members celebrating Christmas on December 25, 2025

Subsequently, local sources say that India and the KIA have been focusing on the Pansaung area for the extraction and transportation of natural resources, including rare earth minerals produced in Kachin State.

At present, the Pansaung area is reportedly being controlled and administered by troops from NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA. A military observer from Sagaing Region pointed out that NSCN-K/AM has been able to gain broader control over the entire Pansaung area because it prioritizes peace and Naga development, maintains close relations with the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), and is therefore likely to receive support from the Tatmadaw.

Similarly, the observer noted that the Indian government may also provide support to NSCN-K/AM, as the group prioritizes peace and stability. Meetings and peace talks between NSCN-K/AM and the Indian government reportedly took place during 2025.

CNI News
5 January 2026

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that a government characterized by fairness, high voter distribution, and strong integrated stability will be formed.

This statement was included in the message sent by the Senior General on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, which fell on January 4, 2026.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "By employing a mixture of the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems, we will work to form governments that ensure fairness, high voter distribution, and integrated stability. According to the election results, the state responsibilities will be handed over to the emerging government in accordance with democratic standards."

In Myanmar, the first phase of the election was held on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships. In this first phase:

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won 80% of the seats. The National Unity Party (NUP) secured the second-highest number of seats.

Ethnic political parties won the third-highest number.  The election process is scheduled to continue in phases:  Phase 2: January 11, 2026 (100 townships).

Phase 3: January 25, 2026 (63 townships).

Observers note that the post-election government is expected to be led by the Military and the USDP. There are ongoing concerns regarding the potential emergence of a government with highly centralized control.

Meanwhile, everyone hopes for the emergence of a form of national unity government as a means to end the ongoing political and armed conflicts within Myanmar.

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.