Mizzima
Myanmar’s military junta is preparing to conduct the second phase of its general election on 11 January 2026, across 100 designated townships, despite widespread reports that active conflict makes voting impossible in many areas.
Intense clashes and heavy airstrikes are currently ravaging townships slated for the upcoming polls, including Hpapun in Karen State, where the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) maintains control of the main town, and Budalin in Sagaing, which remains surrounded by resistance forces.
A resident of Bilin in Mon State said security forces have significantly increased their presence, noting that military personnel who previously avoided leaving police stations are now conducting nighttime motorbike patrols in villages and vehicle patrols throughout the town.
“They will do whatever they want. It would be strange if we don’t hear the sound of artillery. They are firing every day,” the resident said. He added that tensions between the junta and revolutionary forces remain high.
Hpapun Township in Karen State comprises two towns, Hpapun and Kamamaung. Hpapun has been under the control of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) since late March 2024, and clashes are ongoing between the junta’s Tactical Operation Command 1, nearby junta infantry battalions, and revolutionary forces in the area.
The fiercest fighting is currently taking place more than a mile from Hpapun town and approximately 49 miles from Kamamaung town. On the night of 1 January, the junta carried out airstrikes on a school and a building sheltering displaced civilians near the Hpapun strategic base.
Given the terrain and ongoing clashes, the likelihood of holding elections in Hpapun Township is low, except in areas around Kamamaung where the junta is able to establish a base.
Similarly, the security situation in Bilin Township, Mon State, along the Yangon–Mawlamyine highway, remained intense until 2 January. The most recent clash occurred on 31 December, during which the junta reportedly sustained heavy casualties, including the loss of a deputy battalion commander.
Since then, the junta has used heavy weapons, resulting in the deaths of five civilians and injuries to many others. Residents of Aluu Lay, Aluu Gyi, Win Pyan, and Phoe Wa Thein villages have also fled their homes.
“In Hpapun, they have released lists of candidates, but they can’t actually hold the election. In Bilin, voting can only take place in certain towns, not everywhere,” said Ko Aye Min Tun, deputy commander of the revolutionary forces’ Special Region.
In addition, revolutionary forces under the People’s Defence Forces and the Magway Region Military Department have launched attacks on junta camps in six townships across Magway Region. The NUG also reported that administrative and military infrastructure in these townships has been set ablaze.
This includes Salin and Seik Phyu towns, where the junta has announced plans to hold the second round of elections. Seik Phyu Kyun and Salin towns are part of Salin Township.
On 1 January, fighting intensified around Seik Phyu Kyun Township, during which the NUG reported the destruction of the general administrative office and the industrial agriculture office.
According to the NUG, People’s Defence Forces have reached the township’s downtown area, and local defence groups are advising displaced residents not to return. Given the security situation, the junta is likely only able to hold elections in Salin town.
In Budalin, Sagaing Region, revolutionary forces have been battling for control of the town since 28 December 2025. Sources report that the fighting continues and the town remains surrounded.
According to reports on 31 December, revolutionary forces stormed the police station and the general administrative office, including government departmental buildings in Budalin. In response, the junta sent reinforcements from the Northwestern Regional Command in Monywa and conducted airstrikes.
On 1 January, the Pakokku District Military Department announced it had carried out explosives detonations and destroyed electricity poles linked to the Defence Equipment Factory No. 22 in Seik Phyu Township, Magway Region, and launched targeted heavy-weapon attacks on the facility. Clashes between the junta and People’s Defence Forces are also ongoing in villages surrounding Seik Phyu.
Similarly, the security situation remains unstable in Ye-U, Ayadaw, and Gangaw townships due to attacks on junta bases and troop columns.
In addition, military unrest persists in Mawlaik, Sagaing Region, while the junta continues operations and artillery fire in Myinmu, Kyunhla, and Chaung-U townships. The commission has announced that the second phase of the election will also take place in these areas.
Local and military analysts say that, given these circumstances, the junta is unlikely to fully conduct the second phase of the election.
“The groups on our side are gradually fighting and making gains. It’s clear that clashes have intensified since the first phase of the election. It’s happening everywhere. They will hold the election in the areas they control, but it’s impossible in the rest,” said a comrade from the 88 Generation Revolutionary group.
The first phase of the election took place in 102 townships on 28 December 2025. While the junta claimed a 52.13 percent voter turnout, some election officials estimated that only about 20 percent of eligible voters participated.
In Thandaunggyi Township, Karen State, slated for the first phase of the election, voting was restricted to the military area. Local residents were barred from participating, with only military family members and government employees permitted to cast ballots.
It remains uncertain whether the junta will be able to hold elections in the areas it has announced for the second phase, scheduled in the coming days.
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