YANGON/GENEVA — Voters in Myanmar began casting their ballots on Sunday in the country’s first general election since the military seized power in a coup in 2021, a vote held amid a brutal civil war and deep doubts about its legitimacy.
The election, held in phases starting on Dec. 28, comes as fighting continues between the military and opposition forces across much of the country. The vote is taking place only in areas controlled by the military junta, with many townships still beyond its reach because of ongoing conflict.
The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed by the military and led by retired generals, is widely expected to emerge as the dominant force in the new parliament. Analysts say the tightly controlled political environment and the absence of genuine competition mean the election will likely reinforce military rule rather than reflect a genuine democratic choice.
Critics including the United Nations, Western governments and human rights groups have condemned the polls as neither free nor fair, noting that major pro-democracy parties are banned and prominent figures such as Aung San SuuKyi remain detained. SuuKyi’sNational League for Democracy (NLD) was dissolved after its landslide win in the 2020 election, and many opposition leaders are either jailed or in exile.
Security forces are heavily present at polling stations, and many citizens have shown little enthusiasm for the process, with turnout reportedly low in major cities where fear and repression are widespread. Observers say the lack of excitement contrasts sharply with previous elections and reflects deep public disillusionment with the political situation.
The military government argues that the election offers a chance for political and economic renewal, presenting it as a step toward stability after years of turmoil and hardship. State media have described the vote as a new beginning for the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.
Despite these claims, many analysts believe the polls are designed mainly to legitimise military control, with the USDP and allied parties expected to form the next government. Final results are not yet scheduled, with further rounds of voting set for January 11 and January 25 in additional constituencies.
Opposition and civil society critics warn that under current conditions, with extensive violence and restrictions on basic freedoms, the election will do little to address the deep humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions and left vast swathes of the population in need of aid.