Myanmar conducts final round of elections as military-affiliated party appears poised for victory.
As Myanmar embarks on its third and final round of a contentious general election amidst ongoing civil unrest, the likelihood of a military-backed party emerging victorious raises significant concerns about the future of democracy in the country. With the political landscape heavily skewed in favor of the military, the electoral process appears poised to further entrench military rule nearly five years after the ousting of a democratically elected government, leaving citizens to contend with the grim realities of civil war and widespread displacement.
Polls opened in Myanmar on Sunday morning for the third and final round of a challenging general election that has garnered significant international scrutiny. The election occurs in the context of a brutal civil war, with military-backed parties expected to secure a decisive victory. Voting started in 60 townships, including major urban areas like Yangon and Mandalay, at 6 a.m. local time, amid fears that the electoral process is neither free nor fair.
Critics point out that the voting is designed to legitimize military governance following the coup nearly five years ago that resulted in the ousting of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. This political shift has plunged Myanmar into a civil conflict that has taken thousands of lives and displaced more than 3.5 million people.
Currently, Aung San Suu Kyi remains in detention, and her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has been dissolved, significantly tilting the electoral playing field in favor of the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Early election returns indicate that the USDP has secured 193 out of 209 seats in the lower house and 52 out of 78 seats in the upper house. Alongside military representation, which is guaranteed 166 seats, the coalition has amassed almost 400 seats—well above the 294 needed to form a government.
Looking ahead, the military government, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is expected to assume a prominent role as parliamentary sessions resume in March, with the new administration set to take office in April. While military officials assure the public that the election aims to restore power to citizens, rights advocates express grave concerns about pre-election coercion and the suppression of dissent. In a troubling development, a recently enacted Election Protection Law imposes severe penalties for any public criticism, leading to over 400 arrests for acts ranging from leafleting to posting on social media.
Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, has characterized the electoral process as fundamentally flawed, arguing that only a government can emerge from such a fraudulent election if recognized. His statement echoes a broader international consensus; for instance, the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that ASEAN, Myanmar’s regional group, would not send observers, highlighting concerns about inclusivity and fairness during the electoral process.
In Mandalay, residents such as teacher Zaw Ko Ko Myint continue to participate in the polls despite low expectations. Historical voter turnout in this election cycle stands at approximately 55 percent—substantially lower than the near 70 percent seen in previous elections held in 2020 and 2015.
Official election results are anticipated later this week. However, the USDP may claim victory as early as Monday. Despite the profound challenges faced, the resilience of the Myanmar population remains a testament to their aspirations for a just and democratic future.
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