YANGON, Jan 11: Myanmar held a second round of voting on Sunday in its first general election since the military seized power in 2021, extending polling to additional townships amid an ongoing civil war.
Voting took place in 100 townships across several regions and states, including areas affected by recent fighting, highlighting the security risks surrounding the election.
The polls are being conducted in three phases because of armed conflict.
The first round was held on December 28 in 102 townships, while a final round is scheduled for January 25.
However, 65 townships will not vote at all due to ongoing violence.
Myanmar’s parliament has 664 seats, with the military constitutionally guaranteed 25% of seats in each chamber, ensuring continued influence regardless of the election outcome.
Turnout appeared mixed. Associated Press reporters observed relatively low voter numbers at many polling stations in Yangon and Mandalay compared with the 2020 election.
The military government said about 24 million people were eligible to vote, significantly fewer than in 2020, and claimed more than 6 million ballots were cast in the first phase.
Officials described the process as improving, while some voters and candidates expressed hopes for stability and nonviolent change. Critics, however, say the election lacks credibility and is designed to legitimize military rule.
Former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party are excluded; Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year prison sentence, and her party was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to comply with new military registration rules. Many opposition groups have boycotted the vote.
The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) dominated the first phase, winning nearly 90% of contested lower-house seats and majorities in regional legislatures, making it the clear front-runner.
The United Nations has condemned the polls as a “sham.” UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews cited political repression, the imprisonment of more than 22,000 political detainees, and the deaths of over 7,600 civilians since the coup as evidence the election cannot be free or fair.
Despite threats of disruption, authorities reported no major incidents during Sunday’s voting. (PTI)
