Myanmar is set to hold general elections on Sunday, marking the first such vote since the military coup of 2021. The coup ousted the elected civilian government and plunged the nation into a protracted civil conflict.
The elections are taking place amidst widespread international condemnation and internal opposition, with many characterizing the process as a facade to legitimize military rule. The military, however, claims the elections represent a return to a multi-party democratic system.
The voting will be conducted in phases across the country. The initial phase is scheduled for Sunday in 102 of the nation’s 330 townships. Subsequent phases are planned for January 11th and 25th.
Reports indicate that 65 townships will be excluded from participation due to ongoing conflict between the military and various armed groups.
Fifty-seven parties are participating in the elections in the internal states, while six parties are competing nationwide, hoping to secure enough seats to gain political power. Observers suggest that the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is likely to win a position that would allow it to lead a new government.
The election commission has yet to release the total number of eligible voters. In the 2020 elections, the number of eligible voters exceeded 47 million.
The ruling military council announced the lifting of the state of emergency in July and formed an 11-member committee, headed by army chief Min Aung Hlaing, to oversee the elections.
The electoral process unfolds against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis. The United Nations estimates that 20 million people are in dire need of assistance, with 3.6 million displaced and thousands of civilians killed since the military takeover five years ago. This crisis is considered one of the worst in Asia.
