The Myanmar junta’s Election Commission has announced that elections cannot be held in 83 wards and village tracts in Tanintharyi Region—more than a third of the total areas—due to conflict ahead of its two-phase poll.

The First Phase, scheduled for December 28, covers Dawei, Myeik, Bokpyin, and Kawthaung Townships, totaling 136 wards/village tracts. The commission’s announcement confirms that elections cannot be held in 37 of these tracts.

The Second Phase, scheduled for January 11, covers Yebyu, Tanintharyi, and Kyeiksu Townships, totaling 92 wards/village tracts. The Election Commission states that elections cannot be held in 46 of these tracts.

In total, elections are declared infeasible in 83 out of the 228 wards/village tracts included in both phases. This means approximately 62 percent of the tracts will proceed with the vote, while 38 percent will be excluded.

The areas where the vote is blocked include villages where residents have been internally displaced for years due to conflict, as well as areas captured and currently held by revolutionary forces.

Of the ten townships in Tanintharyi Region, the junta’s Election Commission has yet to announce whether elections will be held in Palaw, Thayetchaung, and Launglon Townships.

Revolutionary forces, meanwhile, have voiced strong opposition to the sham election planned by the Military Council.

The National Unity Government (NUG) has responded by releasing a statement enacting a law that can impose prison sentences on those who participate in the election. The NUG is also urging people to report any individuals who pressure others to vote.

Internationally, the election has faced widespread condemnation. The international community, including the United Nations Secretary-General, has criticized the vote planned by the Myanmar military junta, stating that it will not resolve Myanmar’s political crisis or conflicts, and that it cannot be considered a free and fair election.