Polls closed in Myanmar on [DATE - insert date based on context] at the end of the first phase of an election that has drawn widespread condemnation as a sham intended to legitimize the military junta's rule. The election is occurring in three stages.
The military government has presented the vote as a step towards restoring democracy, nearly five years after the coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's de facto leader at the time. The coup triggered a civil war.
Critics and analysts contend that the majority of candidates are aligned with the military. The United Nations has described the election as taking place in a climate of violence and repression. One UN official characterized the process as "a theatre of the absurd."
Turnout appeared to be low, and voting was excluded in large areas due to ongoing conflict. The election commission has not yet released official turnout figures.
The military seized power in February 2021, alleging widespread fraud in the previous general election, which Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a landslide. International observers at the time found no evidence of widespread fraud.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained since the coup and has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms on various charges. The junta has dissolved the NLD party.
The election is being held under a new constitution drafted by the military. Critics argue that the new constitution entrenches military power and limits civilian oversight.
The next phases of the election are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. The results are expected to be announced after all phases are completed. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
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