Myanmar holds second phase of military-run elections amid low turnout, security risks
Myanmar held a second round of military-run elections in 100 townships amid criticism, low turnout and security risks; the vote is divided into three phases amid ongoing conflict.
Al JazeeraMyanmar’s military holds second phase of elections amid civil war
Al JazeeraA ghost town votes in Myanmar election’s second phase
The GuardianMyanmar junta holds second phase of election widely decried as a ‘sham exercise’
ABC NewsMyanmar holds 2nd round of elections amid armed conflict
Overview
Myanmar's second election phase opened at 6 a.m. in 100 townships across multiple regions and states, expanding voting into conflict-affected areas despite clashes and heightened security.
The general election is being held in three phases: the first on Dec. 28 covered 102 townships, the second occurred Sunday, and the final round is scheduled for Jan. 25, with 65 townships excluded due to fighting.
The military retains 25% of seats in each legislative house by constitutional mandate; the national legislature has two houses totaling 664 seats, and a majority in parliament allows a party to choose the president and form a government.
The military-backed USDP dominated the first phase, winning nearly 90% of contested lower-house seats and majorities in regional legislatures; authorities reported a 52% turnout with over 6 million ballots cast in phase one.
Major opposition parties including Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD are barred or dissolved; Suu Kyi is imprisoned for 27 years, opposition has been suppressed, and new election laws criminalize criticism, with hundreds charged under them.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Myanmar elections as a contentious and heavily criticized process, emphasizing the military's control and the lack of fairness. Language choices like "sham election" and "political exclusion" highlight the coercive environment. The focus on critics' perspectives and the absence of opposition voices in the election narrative underscore the framing of a flawed democratic process.