Myanmar holds second round of elections widely criticised as a sham, with military-backed party set for victory amid civil war and low turnout
YANGON: Voters in war-torn Myanmar cast ballots in the second stage of an election dominated by a party backed by the ruling military.
The junta sought to gloss over a low turnout in the initial round of a contest widely derided as a sham by the United Nations and Western nations.
Myanmar has been ravaged by conflict since the military staged a coup against the civilian government in 2021 and detained its leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party, winner of the last two elections in landslides, has been dissolved along with dozens of other anti-junta parties for failing to register.
The military insists the vote has public backing and is being conducted without coercion.
“This is not just a victory for the government, but a victory for the people, an achievement for those who desire democracy and peace,” its spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told reporters.
A resident of Yangon’s Latha Township, who witnessed activity at a polling station, said many people turned out early.
“They are afraid something will happen if they don’t vote, and if they vote, they are afraid others will find out,” he said on condition of anonymity.
The military-allied Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) looks set to win big after securing 88% of lower house seats contested in the first phase.
“The USDP is on track for a landslide victory, which is hardly a surprise given the extent to which the playing field was tilted in its favour,” said Richard Horsey, Senior Myanmar Adviser for Crisis Group.
A 42-year-old Yangon resident told Reuters he cast his ballot to avoid repercussions, but did not choose the USDP.
“I voted for another party. I don’t even remember the name,” he said.
A final voting round will take place on January 25, with the military promising a new government will be formed in April.
Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said the new administration would be accepted overseas, leading to sanctions being eased.
“I believe after the election, restrictions will decrease, and international relations will become more open and visible,” he said.
Analysts warn any military-controlled government is unlikely to gain broad international recognition amid the ongoing conflict.
