Myanmar's 'Sham' Election: A Lavish Display Amidst Chaos

Sun Dec 28 2025 11:12:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Myanmar is holding an election criticized as a sham, where major parties are banned, and civil war rages. Many citizens feel coerced into participating, but hope lingers amid turmoil.

In a country engulfed in civil war and political strife, Myanmar's military government is conducting an election deemed a 'sham' by critics. With major opposition parties banned and extensive unrest, the voting process unfolds under duress. Many citizens have voiced their hesitations and fears regarding the legitimacy of the elections and the military's intentions. Observers suggest that the junta aims to legitimize its rule despite the prevailing chaos, as the country grapples with significant humanitarian crises.

Myanmar is voting in an election widely dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved and many of their leaders jailed, while as much as half the country is expected to abstain due to ongoing civil conflict.

This military-organized election comes nearly five years post-coup, where observers claim the military is seeking to legitimize its authority amid a devastating stalemate in a country plagued by violence.

More than 200 individuals have been charged under new laws aimed at suppressing opposition to the polls, which includes grave penalties such as the death sentence for dissenters.

Polling began following explosions reported in multiple regions of Myanmar; a rocket attack injured several civilians in Mandalay, and multiple houses were damaged in Myawaddy.

Despite the violence, some voters have described their voting experience as more structured than before. First-time voters are expressing their hopes for affordable goods as prices rise amid the turmoil.

The military has dismissed accusations of illegitimacy, emphasizing a commitment to restoring a multi-party system, while the international community remains critical of the election process.

With large segments of the country still under opposition control and the civil war ongoing, electoral logistics are fraught with challenges and the results are expected to be announced by the end of January.