In a nation rife with turmoil, Myanmar is currently witnessing what many are calling a ‘sham exercise’ with the ongoing military-run elections. On Sunday, voters stood in line to participate in the second phase of this controversial electoral process, which has been met with widespread criticism and skepticism following a disappointing turnout during its initial round. This election is largely viewed as a means for the ruling junta to solidify its grip on power.
Since the military coup in 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government and detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has plunged into a civil war. This conflict has severely affected the lives of the country’s 51 million residents, leading to pervasive instability and hardship.
The National League for Democracy (NLD), which enjoyed a sweeping victory in the 2020 elections, has been dissolved along with numerous other opposition parties for failing to register for this latest election cycle. Furthermore, multiple rebel factions have opted out of participating altogether, further questioning the legitimacy of the process.
Global entities like the United Nations, various Western governments, and numerous human rights organizations have condemned this electoral event as neither free nor fair, asserting that it lacks any credible opposition to challenge the military's authority.
In the first phase of the election, held on December 28, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) achieved a commanding lead by securing 90 of the 102 contested lower house seats. Notably, voter participation was only 52.13%, a stark decline compared to previous elections held in 2020 and 2015.
"The USDP is poised for a sweeping victory, which comes as no surprise considering how the electoral landscape has been skewed in its favor. This includes the systematic elimination of serious competitors and regulations designed to suppress dissent against the election," remarked Richard Horsey, a senior adviser on Myanmar from Crisis Group.
A concluding round of voting is scheduled for January 25, which will cover 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, including some regions where the government does not exert full control.
The military leaders claim that this election is crucial for restoring political stability and envision a brighter future for a country currently grappling with one of the gravest humanitarian crises in Asia. Reports indicate that at least 16,600 civilians have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict since the coup, with the United Nations estimating around 3.6 million people displaced from their homes.
However, experts caution that the junta’s efforts to establish a stable government amid such intense conflict are fraught with challenges. They express doubt that any government under military control would gain widespread acceptance on the international stage.
Last month, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing evaded a direct inquiry about his political aspirations. During a recent visit to a central Myanmar township, he proclaimed the election a success and encouraged officials to enhance voter turnout.
"In the first phase of the election, a significant number of votes were cast, demonstrating a strong desire among the people to engage in the democratic process," state media quoted him as saying.
Consequently, he concluded, "the election can indeed be regarded as a successful endeavor."
But here’s where it gets controversial: can a government built on such shaky foundations truly represent the will of the people? What do you think—are these elections a step towards democracy, or merely a guise for continued military rule? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
