In a sweeping move to modernize its electoral process, Myanmar is gearing up for its upcoming multiparty democratic general election on December 28, 2025, with a bold introduction of electronic voting (e-voting). The Union Election Commission’s announcement marks a pivotal shift from the nation’s long-standing reliance on paper ballots to a system that leverages secure Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at local polling stations. According to a report by Ms Monn, this transition aims to simplify the voting experience, speed up the counting process, and enhance the overall accuracy and transparency of elections in Myanmar.
For generations, Myanmar’s citizens have cast their votes on paper ballots in polling stations across the country—a process that, while familiar, has often been marred by lengthy manual counting and the potential for human error. The introduction of e-voting is poised to change all that. Instead of marking a paper ballot, voters will now make their selection on an EVM, with the machine recording the choice electronically. The goal? To make voting more accessible, efficient, and trustworthy—qualities that are increasingly vital in a rapidly changing world.
Myanmar is not the first to embrace this technology. As Ms Monn points out, countries with vast populations such as India and Brazil have successfully employed EVMs for years, running smooth and credible elections. By adopting this technology, Myanmar hopes to align itself with international best practices, ensuring that every vote is counted securely and accurately, and that results are announced with unprecedented speed.
The benefits of this transition are manifold. For one, e-voting dramatically reduces the time required to tally votes and announce results. Unlike the old manual process, which could drag on for days, electronic tallying can be completed within hours. This means that voters and candidates alike can expect quicker clarity on election outcomes. Additionally, the new system reduces waiting times at polling stations and minimizes the risk of human error, providing a more convenient and reliable experience for all involved.
Accessibility is another key advantage. The use of portable EVMs promises to make voting easier for people in remote or hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that no citizen is left out of the democratic process. Environmentally, the reduction in paper usage is a welcome bonus, aligning with broader efforts to minimize waste and environmental impact.
Security, naturally, is at the forefront of concerns whenever a new technology is introduced, especially in an arena as sensitive as elections. The Union Election Commission has emphasized a multi-layered approach to safeguarding the vote. EVMs are protected by robust encryption and are physically secured before and after the election, with strict chain-of-custody protocols in place. During voting, the machines are not connected to the internet or any external network, rendering them immune to online hacking. The software inside each machine is certified and sealed, ensuring that only authorized code is running.
Transparency is also built into the process. According to Ms Monn, every EVM undergoes rigorous testing before election day, with political party representatives and independent observers present to witness the procedures. Once polls close, a mandatory verification process kicks in: selected machines have their electronic results cross-checked with printed paper records, if available, or through manual audits. This system of checks and balances is designed to inspire public confidence in the integrity of the results.
Voters themselves play a crucial role in this new era. The e-voting process is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Upon arrival at their assigned polling station, voters will have their identities verified before being directed to an EVM. The machine’s screen will display the list of candidates and their symbols. After making a selection, voters are presented with a review screen, giving them the chance to confirm or correct their choice before finally casting their vote. Once the “CAST VOTE” button is pressed, the machine securely records the vote, and the process resets for the next voter. A confirmation beep or message lets voters know their civic duty is complete.
But not everyone is welcoming these changes without reservations. As Myanmar prepares for this technological leap, the government is also contending with a backdrop of political tension and public scrutiny. On October 29, 2025, authorities arrested Director Thet Lwin (also known as Zambu Htun Thet Lwin) and Director Aung Chan Lu (also known as Aye Chan Aung) at their homes. According to Eleven Media, the arrests were made under the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction, which was enacted on July 29, 2025. The law is part of a broader effort to ensure the successful implementation of the multi-party democracy system and to prevent disruptions to the upcoming election.
The two directors were accused of supporting the supporters of terrorist organizations abroad and fugitives who posted false criticisms on social media about an election awareness story titled “Khit Thamine Ko Done Sai Mae Thu Myar” and its artists. Investigations reportedly revealed that they did not support the military’s duties as outlined in the 2008 Constitution and had participated in riots and demonstrations. Furthermore, the National Defence and Security Council’s information team stated that the directors had not contributed positively to the success of the upcoming election and had instead supported false and fabricated statements on social media pages of foreign-influenced organizations and exile media opposed to stability.
The government has made it clear that effective action will be taken against anyone who incites public misinformation about the election, emphasizing the importance of accurate information and public trust as the country transitions to e-voting. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential for such laws to be used to stifle dissent or target those who voice opposition to the current administration or its policies.
The Union Election Commission is encouraging citizens to take an active role in understanding the new system. Public demonstrations and information sessions are being organized to familiarize voters with EVMs and to answer any questions they may have. “An informed voter is a confident voter,” Ms Monn writes, urging citizens to engage with the process and to make use of all available resources.
As Myanmar stands on the threshold of a new era in its democratic journey, the hope is that the introduction of e-voting will not only speed up and secure the electoral process but also strengthen the foundation of democracy itself. The journey from paper ballots to electronic votes is more than a technological upgrade—it is a statement about the nation’s commitment to efficiency, accuracy, and the enduring principle of one person, one vote. With robust safeguards and a focus on transparency, Myanmar’s voters can approach the upcoming election with both caution and optimism, knowing that their voices will be counted in a system designed for trust and resilience.
