With ballots cast and political groups divided, the first phase of Myanmar’s general election on Dec. 28, 2025, saw a weaker turnout than in previous elections. This was the country’s first election since the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, ousted its elected government in 2021. While the recent election solidifies Tatmadaw and USDP authority, civil war persists between the Tatmadaw and opposition forces. CNN reports that minorities have been denied the right to vote or run in Myanmar’s elections, while also facing massacres, rape, and other forms of violence. Historically, there were no opposition groups in Myanmar’s political system, as it was a one-party state under the junta until 1988.