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, a campaign rally for Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) candidate, struggled to generate enthusiasm. The USDP is backed by the military. According to BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head, the crowd of 300-400 people, many of whom were earthquake victims hoping for assistance, dispersed immediately after the rally concluded.
The upcoming vote is taking place against a backdrop of political instability and violence following the 2021 coup. The military ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread protests and a subsequent crackdown. Many opposition figures have been arrested or forced into hiding.
The military government asserts that the election is necessary to restore stability and pave the way for a return to civilian rule. However, international observers and many within Myanmar question the legitimacy of the process. Concerns include restrictions on opposition parties, limited access for independent media, and the ongoing conflict in various parts of the country.
The election commission, appointed by the military, has disqualified several opposition parties and candidates, further fueling doubts about the fairness of the vote. The National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi's party, which won a landslide victory in the 2020 election, has been banned.
The USDP is expected to perform well in the election, given its close ties to the military. However, it remains to be seen whether the outcome will be accepted by the broader population or the international community. The election is being held on December 28.
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