Myanmar’s Junta Presses Ahead with Controversial Vote as Civil War Grinds On
Yangon, Myanmar — Voting began in Myanmar on Sunday in a disputed election organized by the military junta, which claims the process will restore democratic governance almost five years after its 2021 coup ousted an elected civilian administration and ignited a devastating civil war that shows no signs of ending.
The nation’s iconic pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, remains imprisoned, serving a 27-year sentence on charges widely viewed as politically motivated. Her National League for Democracy party has been disbanded, leaving the field open to parties seen as aligned with the military. Hundreds of individuals have faced arrest under recent laws prohibiting interference with or criticism of the election.
Balloting will not occur in large parts of the country, where junta forces continue fighting ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy militias across border regions and central areas.
A year earlier, resistance forces had scored significant battlefield gains, raising hopes among opponents that the military’s long hold on power might crumble. However, bolstered by mandatory conscription that added tens of thousands of recruits and supported by new arms from China, the junta has regained ground in recent months.
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Analysts suggest these military recoveries have created conditions for the vote, which reserves 25% of parliamentary seats for the armed forces. Leaders appear to hope a new legislature will prompt some foreign governments to resume engagement with Myanmar following years of isolation after the coup.
In Yangon, the commercial capital, national flags adorn major roads, and state media heavily promotes the phased election, extending into January. Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has urged citizens to back candidates willing to work closely with the military, known as the Tatmadaw, according to state-run reports.
The mood lacks the energy of past elections during Myanmar’s brief democratic opening. Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate who turned 80 this year and has been detained since the coup, is absent from campaign imagery.
UN investigators and rights organizations have documented widespread abuses by the military since 2021, including attacks on civilians. The junta denies atrocities, insisting it targets terrorists and aims for a genuine multiparty system.
Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told Reuters on December 14 that the election serves Myanmar’s people, not the international community, dismissing foreign concerns.
The 2021 power grab followed claims of fraud in a 2020 vote won overwhelmingly by Suu Kyi’s party—allegations rejected by international observers. Widespread protests were met with force, driving many to join armed resistance.
The conflict has displaced over 3 million people, according to the UN, ravaged the economy, fueled drug production, and spawned criminal operations like scam centers. A major earthquake earlier this year worsened humanitarian suffering.
While Western nations refuse to recognize the junta and countries like Japan and Malaysia have criticized the poll, Russia and China have expressed support. Thailand and India advocate greater dialogue.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk has stated conditions do not exist for free participation. Independent analyst David Mathieson told CNN the military seeks only superficial changes to maintain control.
Many citizens, particularly in conflict zones, view the process skeptically. One displaced teacher in Kayah state described it as unfair and a sham.