On Sunday, Myanmar completed the first of three voting phases in an election widely dismissed as a sham. This election comes nearly five years after a military coup that has since sparked widespread conflict and opposition. Major political parties have been dissolved, and many citizens are unable to vote due to ongoing civil war in the country.
The military junta, backed by China, aims to legitimize its tenure through this election process. However, with more than 200 people charged for opposing the polls, the environment remains tense.
Reports indicate that the voting phase was marred by explosions and air strikes across various regions, highlighting the instability during the elections.
Citizens expressed mixed feelings about the polling experience. While some noted improvements in the voting process, others remained fearful and skeptical about the legitimacy of the elections.
The junta insists the election is a step towards democracy, but critics, including the UN, contend that such an election conducted under duress with widespread violence cannot be genuine or legitimate. With significant parts of the country under opposition control and many areas deemed unsafe for voting, widespread participation remains doubtful.
