Kale (Kalay) Town in Sagaing Region was eerily quiet during the December 28 elections led by the junta, as residents reportedly stayed indoors, according to local sources.

“Actually, it felt more like the locals were silently protesting the junta's election. The streets were nearly empty, which was a clear sign that most people hadn’t gone to the polls. Only a few junta supporters showed up to vote, and most shops stayed closed all day. The town just felt completely deserted,” said a town resident.

The junta established polling stations at four schools in Kale Town, each guarded by heavily armed troops, according to local witnesses.

“The people have done their part. They’ve shown their defiance against the junta, which rules brutally with weapons. They’ve made it clear—they don’t want a military dictatorship. You should never underestimate the power of the people,” said a strike leader from Kale Town.

The junta has scheduled the election to take place in three phases, with Phase 1 on December 28 and the following phases set for January 11 and 25 next year.