Myanmar’s controversial general election reached its final phase on Sunday, with polling stations opening across 60 townships including major urban centers Yangon and Mandalay. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) stands positioned to secure a decisive victory, cementing the junta’s political control following the 2021 coup that overthrew Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government.
The electoral process, conducted against a backdrop of persistent civil conflict, has been characterized by significantly diminished voter participation. Preliminary data indicates turnout hovering around 55%, markedly lower than the approximately 70% participation recorded during the 2015 and 2020 general elections. This decline reflects both widespread public disillusionment and an atmosphere of apprehension among citizens.
International response has been overwhelmingly critical, with the United Nations, Western governments, and human rights organizations dismissing the election as a carefully orchestrated sham designed to legitimize military rule. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) notably rejected Myanmar’s invitation to deploy election observers, refusing to endorse the political exercise.
Security concerns have plagued the electoral process, with ongoing military operations including airstrikes near civilian populations in border regions such as Rakhine, Shan, and Kayin states. The junta has simultaneously pursued legal measures against dissent, charging over 400 individuals under election protection laws for criticizing the process.
Analysts from risk intelligence firms suggest the election will likely reinforce military dominance rather than resolve the nation’s protracted crisis, offering little prospect for restored domestic legitimacy or improved relations with Western nations. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has indicated plans to transition from military command to a political role, signaling the armed forces’ enduring intention to maintain political control.