Myanmar Army Conducts Second Phase of Elections Amid Civil War

Second Phase of General Elections in Myanmar

Myanmar has resumed voting in the second phase of its general elections, which are taking place amidst a civil war and accusations that the elections are designed to legitimize military rule. Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time on Sunday across more than 100 areas in the Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, Tanintharyi regions as well as the Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah, and Kayin states.

In recent months, many of these areas have witnessed clashes, as Myanmar has been ravaged by conflicts since the army overthrew a civilian government in 2021, detaining its leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Her party, the National League for Democracy, which won the 2020 elections, has been dissolved along with dozens of other anti-military parties for failing to register for the new elections.

The elections are being held in three phases due to the ongoing conflict. The first phase took place on December 28 in 102 out of 330 areas of the country, while a third round is scheduled for January 25. Approximately 65 areas will not participate due to ongoing confrontations. The military claimed a 52% voter turnout after the first phase, while the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), viewed as a civil substitute for the army, stated it won over 80% of the contested seats in the lower house of the legislature.

Voting in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, occurred in schools, government offices, and religious buildings, including in the former constituency of Aung San Suu Kyi. A 54-year-old woman stated she voted for peace, although she is aware that the situation will improve slowly. Conversely, others expressed distrust, claiming the results are manipulated by the military. Human rights organizations and the UN have described the elections as a “farce,” highlighting the immense pressure placed on the population to participate.

Legislation enacted by the military before the vote allows for punishments of up to 10 years in prison for protesting or criticizing the elections, which has led to over 200 individuals being charged under these measures, according to NGOs. In total, it is estimated that at least 22,000 people are currently held in Myanmar for political offenses.