Reed NewsReed News
Conflict & war1 min

UN Reports Over 170 Civilian Deaths in Myanmar During Controversial Election Period

Key Points
  • At least 170 civilians were killed during Myanmar's election period from December 2025 to January 2026, according to UN reports.
  • The election was held in only 263 of 330 townships, primarily in military-controlled areas, with refugees and Rohingya excluded.
  • UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned the situation has worsened since the 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyi.

According to United Nations reports, at least 170 civilians were killed and approximately 408 military airstrikes occurred in Myanmar during the country's heavily criticized election period from December 2025 to January 2026. The UN warned that the actual death toll may be higher due to disrupted communications and fear among witnesses.

The election has been internationally condemned as an attempt to legitimize military rule five years after the 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyi. According to UN findings, voting took place in only 263 of 330 townships, primarily in areas under military control, with large groups including refugees and Rohingya people excluded.

the deep and widespread despair inflicted on Myanmar's people

Volker Türk, UN Human Rights Chief

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned in a statement that "the deep and widespread despair inflicted on Myanmar's people" since the 2021 coup "has only been deepened by the latest election staged by the military." Türk cautioned that the situation in Myanmar has worsened since the 2021 takeover.

has only been deepened by the latest election staged by the military.

Volker Türk, UN Human Rights Chief

Transparency

How we verified this article

UnconfirmedBased on 2 sources
2 sources3 Involved