Myanmars Military to Hold Second Phase of Elections Amid Civil War

Myanmar’s General Elections Underway Amid Ongoing Conflict

Polling stations have opened across 100 townships in various regions of Myanmar, marking the start of the country’s three-part general elections. The military claims a 52 percent voter turnout in the first round, while the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) reports winning over 80 percent of seats contested in the lower house of the legislature.

The elections are taking place in three phases due to ongoing conflict in parts of the country. A total of 65 townships will not participate in the second phase, which began on Sunday, due to clashes and heightened security concerns. The military has automatically reserved 25 percent of seats in each house under the constitution.

Voting stations opened at 6am local time across 100 townships in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states. Many areas have seen clashes in recent months or remain under security measures.

The election is being held in three phases, with the first round taking place on December 28 in 102 of the country’s 330 townships. The third round is scheduled for January 25. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party has been dissolved along with dozens of other anti-military parties.

The United Nations and human rights groups have described the elections as a “sham” that attempt to legitimize military rule. Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, stated that the election is “not a free, fair, nor legitimate election” by all measures.

Laws enacted by the military ahead of the vote have made protest or criticism of the elections punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Over 200 people currently face charges under this measure, according to the UN. At least 22,000 people are being detained in Myanmar for political offenses.

The election is taking place amid a civil war that has engulfed large parts of the country since the military ousted the civilian government in 2021. The party with a combined parliamentary majority can select the new president, who can pick a cabinet and form a new government.

Source: Al Jazeera