Polling stations opened in limited areas of Myanmar on Sunday for the country’s first general election since the 2021 military coup. The vote, widely criticized as a sham, excludes large portions of the country controlled by armed opposition groups.
In areas where voting is taking place, campaigning has been muted, with no rallies or signs supporting Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). Suu Kyi, who led the last democratically elected government, remains in detention, and her party has been banned from participating.
Military Frames Election as Democratic Return
The military junta has portrayed the election as a step toward democracy. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and state-controlled media insist the vote has public support and will focus on major urban areas.
“The election is being conducted with public support. It is for the people of Myanmar, not for the international community,” junta statements said. Meanwhile, the government lifted the curfew in Yangon ahead of voting, citing improved stability.
Violence and Repression Continue
Despite these claims, the situation remains volatile. Airstrikes were reported in Wetlet township in Sagaing, just hours before voting began. Explosions occurred near three polling stations in Pyay, and a drone attack targeted a military-aligned party office in Myawaddy.
The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, said the elections were “clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression.” Tens of thousands have been arrested for political activities since the coup. A law introduced in July punishes criticism of the election with imprisonment or even the death penalty.
A resident of Yangon said, “I fear the nation is falling deeper and deeper into darkness.” Many citizens are avoiding voting due to fear of reprisals. Others may vote only to avoid arrest.
International Reactions
The UN and Western governments have condemned the elections as illegitimate. Rights groups have called on countries to reject the vote, labeling it a military attempt to manufacture legitimacy while civilians continue to be attacked. China, India, Russia, and Vietnam have sent observers, according to junta-controlled media.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The 2021 coup plunged Myanmar into economic chaos, leaving millions in urgent need of aid. The UN warns that over 16 million people will require life-saving humanitarian assistance in 2026. Civilians continue to face indiscriminate attacks, property destruction, arbitrary arrests, and displacement.
Election Amid War
Analysts say the election will unlikely bring stability. Opposition forces control large areas, and ongoing military operations have caused significant casualties. This vote may further polarize the country while legitimizing military authority in the eyes of its supporters.
While the military presents the elections as a path to reconciliation, the reality on the ground is starkly different. With millions disenfranchised, continued conflict, and international skepticism, the polls highlight the deep divisions and ongoing humanitarian crisis facing Myanmar.