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." Concerns center on the perception that most candidates are allies of the military. The election is being conducted in three stages.

Turnout appeared low, and large areas of the country, particularly those affected by ongoing conflict, were excluded from the vote. The military seized power in February 2021, overthrowing the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi was detained, and the coup triggered a civil war that continues to destabilize the country.

Critics argue the election lacks legitimacy due to the exclusion of opposition parties and the suppression of dissent. The military maintains that the election is necessary to restore stability and pave the way for a return to civilian rule. The next phases of the election are scheduled to take place in the coming months.