Myanmar's First Phase of General Election Faces Condemnation Amidst Military Rule
Polls closed for the first phase of Myanmar’s three-stage general election, widely condemned as a sham intended to legitimise the military regime. Large areas were excluded from voting due to ongoing anti-junta fighting.
The military proxy party, USDP, fielded the most candidates while the National League for Democracy (NLD) was banned, and Aung San Suu Kyi remained detained since the 2021 coup.
Western governments condemned the vote, whereas China, Russia, India, and Vietnam sent observers. The junta insisted the election was free and fair, with military leader Min Aung Hlaing urging people to vote.
Turnout in Yangon appeared low, with muted campaigning as residents expressed fear and reluctance to discuss the election publicly.
Preliminary results for the first phase were expected on Sunday after polls closed at 4 p.m. Although 57 parties contested, only six competed nationwide.
A new election protection law punishes criticism or disruption with at least three years in prison or possibly the death penalty, leading to arrests linked to anti-election activities.
The UN rights office reported ongoing violence, displacement, and warnings that homes could be seized if people returned to vote.
In Yangon, a curfew was lifted, but fighting continued in Sagaing and other areas; the junta conducted airstrikes while anti-junta groups also carried out attacks.
UN rights chief Volker Türk said the elections occurred amidst violence and repression, and UN envoy Tom Andrews described the vote as a "theatre of the absurd."
The election will continue with its second phase on 11 January and the final round on 25 January.
