Polls in Myanmar have closed after a third and final stage of voting in what are widely viewed as sham elections. Many popular parties are banned from standing, and voting has not been possible in large areas of the country because of a five-year-long civil war. The dominant party backed by the ruling military junta is expected to win a landslide victory. The current regime has rejected international criticism of the election, maintaining that it is free and fair. Around one-fifth of the country's 330 townships voted in the last stage. Six parties, including the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), fielded candidates nationwide, while another 51 parties contested state and regional levels. As in previous rounds, voting was orderly at some polling stations, but widespread fear and military oversight overshadowed the process. After the results are announced, parliament will select a new president, likely Gen Min Aung Hlaing, further entrenching military rule.
Myanmar Holds Controversial Elections Amid Ongoing Civil War
Myanmar Holds Controversial Elections Amid Ongoing Civil War
The final round of voting in Myanmar, deemed a sham by critics, has concluded amid widespread civil conflict and repression of opposition parties.
Polls have closed in Myanmar after the third round of a contentious election that many consider illegitimate. With major parties banned from participating and voting occurring in only a fraction of the country due to ongoing civil war, the ruling military junta is expected to declare a significant win. Despite the election's perception of normalcy at the polls, a climate of fear prevails, with strict surveillance by military officials and repression of dissent. The event further consolidates military power following the ousting of the prior civilian government in 2021.
