News|ASEANMyanmar holds final election round, military-backed party set to winUN official describes monthlong polls as ‘illegitimate’, while ASEAN regional bloc says it will not certify the vote.
On Sunday, voting commenced in Myanmar for the third and final phase of its general election, occurring amidst ongoing civil conflict. Voting started at 6:00 a.m. local time (23:30 GMT, Saturday) across 60 townships, including the major cities of Yangon…
On Sunday, voting commenced in Myanmar for the third and final phase of its general election, occurring amidst ongoing civil conflict. Voting started at 6:00 a.m. local time (23:30 GMT, Saturday) across 60 townships, including the major cities of Yangon and Mandalay.
The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is leading the electoral process, which critics argue lacks fairness and transparency. The USDP has secured a significant number of seats: 193 out of 209 in the lower house and 52 out of 78 in the upper house, according to the election commission. Combined with the military's allocated 166 seats, the USDP has a considerable majority.
Opposition parties, including the dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD), have been largely marginalized in this election cycle, which follows the military's ousting of the elected government in February 2021.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the current military government, is expected to assume the presidency following the new parliament's assembly in March. The transition to a new government is scheduled for April. The general has indicated a potential transition to a fully political role, though definitive plans remain unconfirmed.
On Sunday, voting commenced in Myanmar for the third and final phase of its general election, occurring amidst ongoing civil conflict.
Despite assurances of returning power to the populace, the election environment has been characterized by coercion and suppression of dissent. An Election Protection Law has been enacted, imposing stringent penalties on public criticism of the election process.
International response remains critical, with ASEAN refraining from sending observers and declining to certify the election results, citing concerns about inclusivity and freedom. The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has called for the rejection of the election's outcome, describing it as fraudulent.
Since the onset of civil unrest, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reports at least 7,705 fatalities and 22,745 detentions. However, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project estimates the death toll at over 90,000.
Official results from this electoral phase are anticipated later this week, with the possibility of an early declaration of victory by the USDP.
Voter turnout has been notably low, with only about 55% participation, significantly less than previous elections in 2020 and 2015.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.