Election timeline pressures mount for political parties
154
– Phyo(NP News)-Aug 25
Since the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced that the first phase of the 2025 multiparty democratic general election is scheduled to begin on December 28, subsequent related announcements have been in rapid succession.
As the general election will be conducted in phases, the constituencies have been divided into three groups. Earlier, the UEC announced that general elections would be held in 267 townships. Therefore, the Commission is expected to take into account regional stability, security, and other relevant factors when selecting the designated townships.
Accordingly, on August 20, the UEC declared that the first phase of the election will be held in 102 townships. The dates for the subsequent phases will be announced by the UEC in due course.
Phase 1 will include: six townships in Kachin State, two in Kayah State, three in Kayin State, two in Chin State, 12 in Sagaing Region, four in Tanintharyi Region, eight in Bago Region, nine in Magway Region, eight in Mandalay Region, five in Mon State, three in Rakhine State, 12 in Yangon Region, 12 in Shan State, eight in Ayeyarwady Region, and eight in Naypyidaw.
Commenting on the decision, the spokesperson of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) shared his views on why the UEC selected 102 townships for the first phase. He said, “Whether the voting machines could be easily moved or whether the constituencies were divided as needed was taken into consideration. And I think the UEC also took security into account. For example, the decision to hold the election in Nawnghkio, which the Tatmadaw recently regained control of, was made because it was convenient in terms of security, and other factors as well.”
Furthermore, the UEC has informed that the Hluttaw will be convened in accordance with the provisions of Section 123 of the 2008 Constitution only after the sectional elections are held and the results are announced.
Party requirements and deadlines
The UEC reminded political parties of the key requirements under the Political Parties Registration Law. To be eligible, each party competing at the Union level must register at least 50,000 members nationwide, including at least 1,000 in each region or state, and establish party offices in one-third of townships nationwide, or at least five townships if contesting only at the state or regional level. The deadline to submit membership lists and office information is September 7, 2025. The Commission warned that failure to meet these conditions will result in action under Section 12 of the law.
This deadline may prove particularly challenging for parties contesting nationwide. As of August 22, 67 parties have registered, leaving them with just two weeks to comply with the requirements.
Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party, U Tin Swe, highlighted the difficulties for nationwide parties: “Political parties that do not meet the required qualifications will be subject to action under Section 12, which prevents them from continuing to operate. In some areas, party offices cannot be opened due to space constraints. Parties competing nationwide will have to work very hard to meet all requirements.”
A political analyst added that the timeline poses significant challenges: “The UEC’s warning is serious. Parties face three main issues: security risks due to ongoing conflicts, public reluctance when approached by parties, and financial constraints. Nationwide parties will find it especially difficult. While the UEC has emphasized multiparty competition, the current conditions make it hard to comply. Two weeks is not enough time, and even within that period, it will be difficult for parties to secure 50 percent of Hluttaw candidates.”
Campaigning and candidate nominations
In addition, the UEC announced on the evening of August 21 that it is authorized to carry out activities related to election-related party organizing processes, regional organizing activities, rallies, and campaigning.
According to the statement, Members of the Union Government and Deputy Ministers selected to participate in the upcoming elections to be held in phases may carry out election-related party organizing processes and regional organizing activities starting from August 18 as announced by the UEC, provided they comply with the provisions of Sections 120 and 121 of the Constitution. The same applies to the Chief Justice or Judges of the Supreme Court of the Union, Chairman or Members of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union, the Union Attorney General or the Deputy Union Attorney General, the Union Auditor General or the Deputy Union Auditor General, the Chairman or Members of the Union Civil Service Board.
After the Hluttaw candidates are confirmed, the UEC will issue an announcement regarding the election-related party organization, regional organizing activities, rallies, speeches, and campaigning.
Regarding the nomination of Hluttaw candidates, the deadline for submitting nominations is September 8, but if a party wants to make changes, it can do so until September 12. As an exception, if a party want to withdraw or replace a candidate in a PR constituency, it can do so from September 13 to 17. The UEC has announced that it will scrutinize the candidates from September 18 to October 4 (approximately two weeks). Therefore, it is important to note that the UEC will confirm and announce the candidates’ eligibility after October 4.