Myanmar’s military junta launches second phase of parliamentary elections

Sunday 11 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

Myanmar’s military junta launches second phase of parliamentary elections

Voting began on Sunday in Myanmar as the ruling military junta launched the second phase of parliamentary elections, a process that has drawn strong criticism from the international community.

Polling stations opened early in several constituencies, including Kawhmu, a district formerly represented by Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s ousted civilian leader. Overthrown in the 2021 military coup, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate remains in detention, while her political party has been dissolved.

The army justified its seizure of power by annulling the results of the previous general elections, citing widespread electoral fraud. That decision plunged the nation of around 50 million people into prolonged political instability and armed conflict.

After ruling by decree for several years, the junta presents the current legislative elections as a step toward restoring democratic governance. However, critics argue that the vote is tightly controlled, with opposition voices suppressed and candidate lists dominated by parties aligned with the military.

During the first phase of the elections held in late December, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party secured an overwhelming majority of the seats contested, reinforcing concerns about the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.