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Myanmar Junta Holds Elections For First Time Since 2021 Coup Amid Civil War
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Voting began in Myanmar on Sunday in heavily restricted elections promoted by the ruling military junta as a return to democracy, five years after it overthrew the country's elected government, a move that plunged the nation into a prolonged civil war.
Only a small number of voters turned up at polling stations as the first phase of the month-long, staggered vote got underway in junta-controlled areas. Former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned, while her widely popular National League for Democracy (NLD) party has been dissolved and barred from participating.
Western governments, democracy activists and the United Nations have condemned the polls, arguing they are designed to entrench military rule rather than restore civilian governance. Critics say the process overwhelmingly favours military-aligned parties, particularly the pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Party, which is expected to emerge as the largest force.
Myanmar, home to about 50 million people, remains deeply divided by conflict. Voting is not being held in large swathes of rebel-controlled territory, and the junta has admitted elections cannot take place in nearly one-fifth of lower house constituencies.
Polling opened at 6 am local time in cities including Yangon, Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw. Early turnout was sparse, with journalists and election staff outnumbering voters at some locations.
“The election is very important and will bring the best for the country," said Bo Saw, a 63-year-old voter in Yangon's Kamayut township, casting his ballot near Aung San Suu Kyi's vacant residence.
However, the atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the mass participation seen during the 2020 elections, which the military later annulled before staging its coup. Those elections delivered a landslide victory to Suu Kyi's party, prompting junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to seize power, alleging widespread voter fraud — claims rejected by international observers.
Among the few early voters, some dismissed global criticism. “There are always people who like and dislike," said Swe Maw, 45, playing down concerns raised by foreign governments and rights groups.
Others rejected the vote outright. “It is impossible for this election to be free and fair," said Moe Moe Myint, who said she has been hiding from junta air strikes for months. “How can we support a junta-run election when this military has destroyed our lives?"
Aung San Suu Kyi is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges that human rights groups describe as politically motivated. Her son, Kim Aris, said she would not view the elections as legitimate.
Most political parties that contested the 2020 vote have since been dissolved, and new electronic voting machines do not allow write-in candidates or spoiled ballots — raising further concerns about transparency.
The junta has also prosecuted more than 200 people under strict laws banning criticism or disruption of the polls. UN human rights chief Volker Türk said the elections are taking place “in an environment of violence and repression."
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The second phase of voting is scheduled in two weeks, followed by a final round on January 25. Despite presenting the polls as a step toward reconciliation, pro-democracy armed groups have vowed to continue fighting the military regime.
“There are many ways to make peace," said Zaw Tun, an officer with the People's Defence Force. “They chose elections instead. We will continue to fight."
Source: News18
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