Unknown armed group attacks polling stations in Karenni State capital Loikaw

An unknown armed group attacked polling stations in at least three locations with explosives on Sunday during the first phase of the regime’s 2025-26 elections, residents of the Karenni State capital Loikaw told DVB. No casualties were reported.

Regime administrative officials went around neighborhoods of Loikaw following the attacks, ordering residents to vote or face arrest, residents added.

The first phase of voting in the elections is underway in Loikaw and Bawlakhe townships, with Demoso and Hpruso scheduled for phase two on Jan. 11, 2026, according to the regime’s Union Election Commission (UEC). All four townships are under regime control.

The UEC is unable to hold its elections in Hpasawng, Mese and Shadaw townships, which are under Karenni resistance control. Karenni State has a total of seven townships.