The first phase of voting has concluded in Myanmar’s deeply contested election, a process widely dismissed by critics as a sham amid ongoing civil war, mass repression, and the exclusion of major political forces. The military government is holding the phased election nearly five years after seizing power in a 2021 coup, an event that plunged the country into prolonged conflict.
Most major political parties have been dissolved, prominent leaders jailed, and as much as half the country is expected to be unable to vote due to insecurity. Observers say the junta, backed diplomatically by China, is seeking to legitimise its rule and break a political deadlock that has devastated the country.
The vote took place against a backdrop of violence. Explosions and air strikes were reported in several regions, including Mandalay and the border town of Myawaddy, where casualties were reported, including the death of a child. More than 200 people have been charged under a new law criminalising opposition to the election, with penalties that include long prison terms and even death.
Despite this, some voters told the BBC the process felt more controlled than past elections and said they participated out of civic duty or economic concerns. The junta has rejected international criticism, insisting the election will restore multi-party democracy.
Western governments, the European Parliament, and the UN have rejected the process as illegitimate, while voting is set to continue in two further phases later this month.
