Myanmar is preparing for an election on Sunday, the first since the military coup nearly five years ago, amid widespread concerns about fairness and intimidation. The election, orchestrated by the ruling military junta, has been labeled a "sham" by critics and is viewed with skepticism by many citizens.

In Mandalay, retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw, the candidate for the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Aungmyaythazan constituency, recently held a campaign rally. The event, attended by an estimated 300-400 people, saw attendees receiving branded hats and flags. According to BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head, many attendees appeared unenthusiastic, wilting in the heat, with some even dozing off. Head noted that many families present were victims of the earthquake that struck Mandalay in March, possibly hoping for assistance.

The upcoming election is being held against a backdrop of political instability and repression following the military's seizure of power. The military ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), alleging widespread fraud in the 2020 general election, an allegation widely disputed by international observers.

While the military claims the election will pave the way for a return to civilian rule, many view it as a means to legitimize the junta's control. The NLD, which won a landslide victory in 2020, has been effectively banned, and many of its leaders and supporters have been arrested or forced into hiding. The military has also imposed strict restrictions on campaigning and media coverage, further raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

The international community has largely condemned the upcoming election, with many countries and organizations calling for a return to democracy and the release of political prisoners. The United Nations has expressed deep concern about the human rights situation in Myanmar and has called for an inclusive and credible political process.