Myanmar commenced a phased election on Sunday, an exercise widely criticized as a sham due to the dissolution of major political parties, the imprisonment of numerous leaders, and the expectation that up to half the country will be unable to vote amid an ongoing civil war. The military government is conducting the ballot nearly five years after seizing power in a coup, which triggered widespread opposition and escalated into a civil war.

The election is taking place over the next month. Observers suggest the junta, allegedly with China's support, aims to legitimize and solidify its power as it seeks a resolution to the current stalemate. More than 200 individuals have been charged under a new law for disrupting or opposing the polls, facing severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Voting on Sunday was marked by reports of explosions and airstrikes across several regions. In the Mandalay region, three people were hospitalized following a rocket attack on an uninhabited house early Sunday morning, according to the region's chief minister, who confirmed the incident to the BBC.

The military's seizure of power in 2021 ousted the elected government and reversed years of democratic progress. The subsequent crackdown on dissent led to widespread protests and the formation of armed resistance groups. The civil war has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and created a complex humanitarian crisis.

Critics argue that the current election excludes legitimate opposition voices and lacks credibility due to restrictions on political activity and media freedom. The military government maintains that the election is necessary to restore stability and pave the way for a return to civilian rule, although a specific timeline for this transition remains unclear. The BBC has sought comment from the military government but has yet to receive a response.