Myanmar Holds Second Phase of Junta-Run Elections Amid Criticism

Myanmar conducted the second phase of elections on Sunday under military rule, a vote critics say is designed to extend junta control and exclude pro-democracy voices. Polling opened in multiple constituencies, including the former seat of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The armed forces seized power in a 2021 coup after a decade of democratic governance, nullified the previous election, and detained Suu Kyi. Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party has been dissolved, and many analysts say the current vote is heavily skewed in favor of the military’s proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

Voter turnout has been limited, with security concerns, ongoing civil conflict, and rebel-controlled areas preventing polling in parts of the country. Observers note that a significant portion of parliamentary seats remains reserved for the military under Myanmar’s constitution.

Despite the constraints, some citizens voted in the hope of fostering peace. A local farmer, Than Than Sint, said, “We know it will not come right away. But we need to go step-by-step for our future generations.”

The junta claims the three-phase election will return power to the people by January 25. However, critics, including UN human rights experts, say the polls are “engineered” to reinforce military dominance while silencing dissent. More than 22,000 political prisoners remain in custody, and dozens of constituencies were unable to vote due to ongoing armed conflict.

The elections are part of the military’s broader effort to project legitimacy, improve international relations, and consolidate authority, even as violence and civil unrest continue across the country.