Myanmar resumed voting Sunday in the second round of its first general election in five years, expanding polling to additional townships, including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents. Polling stations opened at 6 am local time in 100 townships across the country, including parts of Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states. Many of those areas have seen clashes in recent months or remain under heightened security, underscoring the risks surrounding the vote. The election is being held in three phases due to armed conflicts.

The first round took place on Dec 28 in 102 of the country`s total 330 townships, followed by the second phase on Sunday. A final round is scheduled for Jan 25, though 65 townships will not take part because of fighting. Myanmar has a two-house national legislature, totalling 664 seats.