Voter participation hits record low in Yangon as final phase of general election concludes

Mizzima

The third and final phase of Myanmar’s general election ended Sunday on 25 January, 2026, with historically low voter turnout across Yangon, even as junta authorities used loudspeakers and taxis to broadcast pro-voting messages throughout the city.

In townships such as Tamwe, Mingalar Taung Nyunt, and Lanmadaw, polling stations were largely deserted by mid-morning. In Lanmadaw, where People’s Party (PP) Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi contested, only a handful of elderly voters were seen at the ballots. In an effort to counter the public boycott, junta agents reportedly deployed white taxis equipped with loudspeakers to play campaign songs and urge residents to vote, particularly in East Dagon and Tamwe.

Residents in Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Tamwe, Hlaing Tharyar, and Dagon Myothit East townships reported that, beginning at 8 am, people were being urged to cast their votes by taxi in response to low voter turnout.

“They have been urging people to vote from 6 am to 4 pm. In East Dagon, residents say some people are voting, but on our side, there is almost no turnout,” a Lanmadaw resident told Mizzima.

In Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, home to a significant military junta presence, voter turnout was slightly higher than in other townships due to a circulating rumour, an official from the Mingalar Taung Nyunt Scout Group (MGTN Scout) told Mizzima.

“Yes, they began using loudspeakers to urge voting in the Kan-Nauk ward at 8:30 am. We haven’t received updates from other wards yet. In the Phasapala ward, turnout appears higher, as numerous pro-military groups are active there and a housing-related rumour—details unclear, has reportedly drawn a few more voters,” he said.

In certain townships, vehicles are barred from entering polling stations, and only registered voters are allowed to access the streets surrounding the stations.

In Yangon, ahead of the final phase of voting (Phase 3), the military junta has attempted to intimidate and pressure civilians, but public interest and voter turnout remain low, except in neighbourhoods with significant grassroots support.

During Phase 3 of the election, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing visited polling stations in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay Region, and told officials at the station that he did not know whether foreign countries recognized the election or not.

The military leader had earlier visited polling stations in Hlaing and Insein townships in Yangon during the second phase of the election.

The townships taking part in Yangon’s final phase of the election include Dagon, Lanmadaw, Seikkyi Kanaungto, Dala, Dagon Myothit (Seikkan), Dagon Myothit (East), Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Thaketa, North Okkalapa, Tamwe, Yankin, Kyauktan, Khayan, Thon Kwa, Sanchaung, and Hlaing Tharyar (West and East).