Polls closed in Myanmar on Thursday, marking the end of the first phase of an election that has drawn widespread condemnation as a sham intended to legitimize the ruling military junta. The election, touted by the military as a step towards restoring democracy nearly five years after the coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, has been criticized by analysts and international bodies.
The United Nations has described the electoral environment as one of violence and repression, with one official calling it "a theatre of the absurd." Critics contend that most candidates are perceived as allies of the military, raising concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the process.
The military seized power in February 2021, overthrowing the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup triggered widespread protests and a civil war that continues to plague the country. Suu Kyi was detained following the coup and has since been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in what many observers view as politically motivated trials.
The election is being conducted in three stages, though the specific dates and details of the subsequent phases remain unclear. Reports suggest turnout was low, and large areas of the country, particularly those affected by ongoing conflict, were excluded from the vote.
The international community has largely rejected the legitimacy of the election. Many countries have imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military leaders in response to the coup and the subsequent crackdown on dissent. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member, has also struggled to find a resolution to the crisis.
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