Name: Myanmar votes in low-opposition election under junta control
Uploaded: 2025-12-28T15:35:15.865Z
Duration: 2 min 37 s
Description: Myanmar has started voting in its first election since the military ousted the civilian government in 2021. Turnout has been low in the first of three phases of the general election, held under tight restrictions.

Myanmar has started voting in its first election since the military ousted the civilian government in 2021. Turnout has been low in the first of three phases of the general election, held under tight restrictions.

Naypyidaw

Myanmar has held an election organized by the ruling military junta, with voting restricted to areas under junta control and most opposition parties excluded from the ballot. The election follows a period of civil conflict that began after the military ousted the democratically elected government in 2021, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement.

International observers, including the United Nations, have widely condemned the election as a sham, citing the lack of inclusivity and fairness. While some citizens in cities like Yangon expressed hope for peace, many affected by the ongoing conflict remain skeptical that the election will bring meaningful change.

Myanmar votes in low-opposition election under junta control

One dip, one vote. These purple pinky fingers should symbolise the power of the people, but in Myanmar's deeply flawed election, they also serve as a reminder of the democracy they were striving for. Since 2021, the country has been in the midst of a bloody civil war. The military junta ousted the last democratically elected government and its de facto leader, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, on the unproven allegation of voter fraud. If you ask the military chief, Minh Aung Hlaing, this election will be much better. We guarantee it to be a free and fair election. It's organised by the military. We can't let our name be tarnished. However, the election has been widely condemned as a sham by several governments and the United Nations. Only those living in junta-controlled areas can vote, and according to the Asian Network for Free Elections, the overwhelming majority of successful parties from the previous election are not on the ballot today. The civil war plunged the country into crisis. The UN estimates more than 6,000 civilians have been killed and 20 million people are in need of aid. Millions are estimated to have been displaced by the conflict and those affected have little hope that the election will change anything. I don't think it can be a successful election since not everyone can be a part of it. I don't think this election will change or improve the political situation in this country. I think the airstrikes and atrocities on our hometowns will continue even after the election. However, the mood was more upbeat in the city of Yangon. I came to vote because this is an opportunity for all citizens to help achieve peace in the country. I wanted to be among the first to vote as a citizen. That's why I came to the polling station very early and waited. The second round of polling will take place in two weeks before the third and final round on January 25.

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