Junta claims over 24 million ballots cast in 2025 poll, cites strong youth turnout

By Admin 27 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

27 February 2026, Mrauk-U

More than 24.2 million ballots were cast during the three-phase 2025 general election, according to a report published on February 27 by the junta-controlled state newspaper Myanmar Alinn.

The newspaper reported that voters aged 18 to 30 comprised the largest share at 24 percent, or approximately 5.9 million ballots.

It further stated that those aged 30 to 40 accounted for 21 percent of votes, 40 to 50 for 20 percent, 50 to 60 for 17 percent, 60 to 70 for 11 percent, and voters over 70 for 7 percent.

The military regime cited the figures as evidence of growing youth engagement in Myanmar’s political process.

However, young people across the country rejected the claims, alleging that votes were obtained through coercion and fraudulent practices.

“Many of my friends were pressured to vote,” said a 28-year-old resident of Yangon’s Tamwe Township. “Students were told they would not be allowed to enroll in university unless they could show proof of casting an advance ballot. These numbers are essentially fabricated; they are votes extracted from the public under duress.”

According to the junta-appointed Union Election Commission, more than 28,000 students were required to cast advance ballots in order to complete university registration.

Based on 2019 census data, Myanmar’s population stands at approximately 51.1 million. The regime’s reported turnout amounts to less than half of the total population.

Critics said the regime’s emphasis on youth participation is aimed at portraying an image of support among younger generations for military rule.

“Young people are deeply involved in the revolution. By highlighting these figures, the regime is trying to convince the public that many youths still back their actions,” said a 25-year-old resident of Mandalay.

Since the February 2021 coup, youth have been at the forefront of anti-junta protests, facing violent crackdowns, arrests and extrajudicial killings.

Despite this, the military regime continues to enforce a mandatory conscription law, forcibly recruiting young people for frontline service.

Amid escalating armed resistance, many youths have fled to resistance-held areas or joined armed groups to fight the military, citing insecurity and ongoing human rights violations.

The junta-organized election resulted in a victory for the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. Authorities plan to convene parliament in the third week of March and form a new government in April.