Polls opened in Myanmar on Sunday, marking the start of a controversial election that the military junta claims will restore democratic governance nearly five years after it overthrew an elected government. The coup instigated a brutal civil war that has yet to result in dominance for the military, which now faces significant challenges from various pro-democracy and ethnic rebel groups.
The most prominent political figure, Aung San Suu Kyi, remains imprisoned, while her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has been dissolved. The upcoming election is largely seen as a maneuver to reinforce military power, with candidates primarily aligned with the junta and the political landscape heavily manipulated to prevent opposition voices. An array of restrictions has been imposed, including a new law that criminalizes criticism and dissent regarding the election.
Areas of the country continue to be engulfed in conflict, as the military engages with numerous ethnic armed groups that oppose its authority. Despite setbacks over the past year where these groups gained ground, recent military reinforcements, including new conscription measures and Chinese weaponry, have allowed the junta to reclaim some territory. Analysts interpret this military push as a way for the junta to create a façade of legitimacy through the elections, hoping that a new parliament—where a quarter of the seats are designated for military representatives—will encourage international engagement after years of isolation.
The polling process has sparked discontent among citizens. Many express nostalgia for previous elections during Myanmar’s brief democratic era, voicing frustrations about the constraints imposed on their choices. One voter noted the inability to cast a blank vote, as the electronic voting machines only accepted ballots for approved parties. With the military encouraging selections that promote cooperation with their regime, public sentiment is bleak.
Prominent analysts have labeled these elections as a sham, suggesting that the military’s desire to correct the perceived “unacceptable” outcome of the last elections, which favored Suu Kyi and the NLD, is a primary motive. Observers warn against legitimizing these elections on the international stage, stressing the need to recognize them as a facade for continuing military control.
The election atmosphere contrasts sharply with the more vibrant political environment seen before the coup. The absence of Suu Kyi’s presence in state media and promotional materials underscores the extent to which her leadership has been sidelined. Currently imprisoned and serving a lengthy sentence on charges widely regarded as political, Suu Kyi’s legacy remains overshadowed by severe repression, including documented human rights abuses perpetrated by the military.
Conditions in Myanmar have worsened significantly since the coup, prompting more than three million people to flee their homes. The humanitarian crisis exacerbates, with reports of violence against civilians, and the country has emerged as a primary source of illicit drugs due to the chaos.
Despite the grim outlook, some citizens express a glimmer of hope for the future, asserting that the upcoming elections might serve as a potential turning point amid the turmoil. However, the prevailing sentiment among many is skepticism regarding the fairness of the electoral process, revealing a deep sense of disillusionment as Myanmar grapples with profound political and humanitarian challenges. As elections unfold in three stages through January, the world watches closely, aware of the stakes at play for the beleaguered nation.