Myanmar's elections have concluded, but critics say the junta-run polls will only prolong its grip on power. The country has a history of military rule, but for a decade, democratic reforms were implemented under civilian leadership.
However, that changed in 2021 when the military intervened, detaining pro-democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi and sparking civil war. The latest election's third phase closed after voting took place in dozens of constituencies, with some rebels having boycotted the process due to security concerns.
The ruling party, led by Min Aung Hlaing, has pledged that the elections will return power to the people. But Suu Kyi is being kept out of the running and her party dissolved, and many have criticized the vote as stacked in favor of military allies.
Critics say the election's outcome will only serve to further legitimize military rule. According to UN rights expert Tom Andrews, "States that endorse the results of these polls will be complicit in the junta's attempt to legitimise military rule through a fabricated vote."
The voting process has been marred by coercion and the crushing of dissent, with some areas witnessing air strikes and widespread violence. The election's outcome is seen as a threat to Myanmar's fragile peace, which has already claimed an estimated 90,000 lives since the 2021 coup.
The country's president will be chosen from parliament, where the military holds a significant share of seats. Turnout in the first two phases was relatively low, with some areas experiencing reduced participation compared to previous elections.
As one resident succinctly put it, "I don't expect anything from this election. Things will just keep dragging on." The future of Myanmar remains uncertain as the world watches on with concern.
However, that changed in 2021 when the military intervened, detaining pro-democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi and sparking civil war. The latest election's third phase closed after voting took place in dozens of constituencies, with some rebels having boycotted the process due to security concerns.
The ruling party, led by Min Aung Hlaing, has pledged that the elections will return power to the people. But Suu Kyi is being kept out of the running and her party dissolved, and many have criticized the vote as stacked in favor of military allies.
Critics say the election's outcome will only serve to further legitimize military rule. According to UN rights expert Tom Andrews, "States that endorse the results of these polls will be complicit in the junta's attempt to legitimise military rule through a fabricated vote."
The voting process has been marred by coercion and the crushing of dissent, with some areas witnessing air strikes and widespread violence. The election's outcome is seen as a threat to Myanmar's fragile peace, which has already claimed an estimated 90,000 lives since the 2021 coup.
The country's president will be chosen from parliament, where the military holds a significant share of seats. Turnout in the first two phases was relatively low, with some areas experiencing reduced participation compared to previous elections.
As one resident succinctly put it, "I don't expect anything from this election. Things will just keep dragging on." The future of Myanmar remains uncertain as the world watches on with concern.
. It's clear that the military is trying to maintain control and legitimize its grip on power. They're just spinning a narrative that sounds good, but we all know the reality 
. The fact that Aung San Suu Kyi is being kept out of the running is telling - it's like they want to erase her legacy and pretend nothing happened 
. And with the election results being stacked in favor of their military allies? 
No way, this isn't about democracy or giving power back to the people, it's just more of the same old authoritarian nonsense 
. Mark my words, these elections will only serve to further entrench the military's hold on Myanmar 
.
This whole election thing just smells like a set-up to me. I mean, think about it, Aung San Suu Kyi's party gets dissolved and she's basically out of the running? That's not fair play if you ask me. And don't even get me started on the low turnout in the first two phases... that's gotta be some kind of propaganda, right?
. when pro-democracy figures like Aung San Suu Kyi are silenced and their parties dissolved, you start to wonder if the system is being rigged from the get-go 
. and with critics saying the election outcome will legitimize military rule, its hard not to feel that something's fishy 
.
And what's up with the low turnout? Is everyone just too scared to participate? 
Either way, it's clear that these elections aren't going to bring any real change. The system is rigged against democracy and in favor of the military. It's a mess, man...
The latest developments in Myanmar's elections are a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the country's transition towards democracy. The fact that pro-democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi is being kept out of the running and her party dissolved raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the election process 
. Ultimately, this election outcome seems more like a perpetuation of military rule than a genuine step towards democracy 
.
This election is a total disaster 
. The military is so desperate to hold onto power that they're willing to manipulate the whole system. I mean, who does that? 
.
. I don't think there's much hope for change anytime soon, which is why this election feels so pointless 
. The whole thing feels so... controlled