Myanmar Military Junta Claims Election Will Lead to Peace Amid Opposition Criticism
The Myanmar military junta, which took power in 2021, has announced that a three-stage election will restore civilian rule and bring peace as the polls open. However, Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned and her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has been dissolved and is barred from contesting the vote.
UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews and various rights groups have condemned the election as a sham, criticizing the absence of any genuine opposition. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is regarded as the main beneficiary and likely winner of the election.
Meanwhile, the civil war continues with ethnic armed groups and civilian resistance ongoing. Large areas remain unable to participate in voting, and tens of thousands have died in the conflict. The junta's airstrikes have targeted civilians, including a December attack on a hospital in Rakhine that killed 33 people, contributing to widespread civilian displacement and continuing abuses.
In Yangon, voters and campaigners display mixed reactions, with some showing support while others express fear or lack awareness regarding the election. Election officials have stated that votes will be counted by the end of January, but critics doubt the results will lead to genuine civilian governance.
