Myanmar Holds Second Phase of Junta-Run Elections

Myanmar’s military government conducted the second phase of its controversial elections on Sunday, a process that democracy groups warn is designed to entrench military rule. 

Polls opened in dozens of constituencies, including that of deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Kawhmu, Suu Kyi’s former seat south of Yangon.

Some voters said they participated despite widespread scepticism.

A farmer in Kawhmu said she voted in the hope of peace, acknowledging that progress would be gradual and for the benefit of future generations.

Another resident in Yangon expressed doubt about the process, saying the outcome appeared predetermined by the military and would not ease the country’s suffering.

The junta has said the three-phase election, scheduled to conclude on January 25, would return power to the people.

In the first phase held late last month, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), widely regarded as the military’s proxy, won nearly 90 per cent of lower house seats.

Turnout in that phase was estimated at 50 per cent, significantly lower than the roughly 70 per cent recorded in the 2020 election.

Authorities promoted participation through public announcements, while some elderly voters said casting a ballot was preferable to abstaining.

However, voting did not take place in several areas controlled by armed resistance groups. The military accused rebel factions of launching attacks during the first phase of voting, incidents that reportedly killed five people.

Analysts say the junta is seeking to rebrand itself internationally, hoping the election will improve diplomatic ties, attract foreign investment and weaken opposition forces.

A United Nations human rights expert said the polls were engineered to secure victory for military allies, entrench military dominance and create a façade of legitimacy amid ongoing violence and repression.

“The junta engineered the polls to ensure victory for its proxy, entrench military domination in Myanmar, and manufacture a facade of legitimacy while violence and repression continue unabated,” Tom Andrews said in a statement on Thursday.

The military has continued to justify its 2021 coup by alleging widespread fraud in the 2020 election, claims that election observers have repeatedly dismissed as unfounded.