Voters in Myanmar participated in the country’s first general election in five years on Sunday, overseen by the military government amidst an ongoing civil war across the nation. Critics argue that the election is a ploy to legitimize military rule following the ousting of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Despite her party’s landslide victory in the 2020 election, they were prevented from assuming office for a second term.
Throughout Yangon, the capital Naypyitaw, and other locations, voters cast their ballots at various venues such as high schools, government buildings, and religious establishments. Concerns have been raised regarding the credibility of the election results due to the exclusion of major parties, restricted freedom of speech, and an atmosphere of oppression.
Critics fear that the anticipated triumph of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party will only serve to maintain military control under the guise of civilian rule. The election’s conduct could potentially provide neighboring countries like China, India, and Thailand with a pretext to continue supporting Myanmar, citing stability as a reason.
Security measures were visibly heightened in Yangon, with armed guards stationed at polling stations and military vehicles patrolling the streets. The introduction of electronic voting machines, a first for Myanmar, was noted by election officials. Despite threats from opposition groups and armed factions to disrupt the electoral process, no significant disruptions were reported.
Aung San Suu Kyi, the former 80-year-old leader of Myanmar, is absent from the election as she serves a lengthy prison sentence on politically motivated charges. Her party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to comply with new military regulations.
Several other political parties opted out of the election due to perceived unfair conditions, while opposition groups called for a voter boycott. Analysts have highlighted the lack of genuine choices in the election, pointing out that a significant portion of voters in 2020 supported now-defunct parties.
Under the military’s stringent control, mobilizing opposition has become challenging. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported over 22,000 individuals being detained for political reasons, with security forces responsible for over 7,600 civilian casualties since seizing power in 2021.
The ongoing civil war, which stemmed from the military’s crackdown on peaceful protests, has resulted in more than 3.6 million displaced individuals, according to the United Nations. A new Election Protection Law has imposed severe penalties and restrictions, effectively silencing public criticism of the electoral process.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk highlighted escalating violence and intimidation in Myanmar, emphasizing the lack of conditions for the exercise of freedom of expression or peaceful assembly. Both the military and its adversaries anticipate that Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who spearheaded the 2021 coup, will likely retain power.
The election is divided into three phases, with the first round held in 102 of Myanmar’s 330 townships on Sunday. Subsequent rounds are scheduled for January 11 and 25, with final results anticipated in late January. Over 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, with only six parties vying nationwide for significant parliamentary influence.