Voters were seen lining up outside polling stations in Myanmar on Sunday to cast their votes in the military-ruled country’s first general election in five years.
The highly restricted elections are being held under the supervision of Myanmar’s military junta, which has touted the exercise as a path to reconciliation and a return to democracy.
However, Western governments and human rights groups consider the elections a sham designed to secretly keep the military in power through affiliated parties.
In 2021, the Tatmadaw – Myanmar’s powerful military – seized power, ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The coup triggered a deadly civil war that left thousands dead and millions displaced.
Despite elections, civil war continues in Southeast Asian countries.
Opposition groups have called for a voting boycott.
What you need to know about the elections in Myanmar?
The month-long election has been divided into three phases.
In Sunday’s first round – which began at 6 a.m. local time (2330 GMT) – voting is taking place in 102 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, including the capital Naypyidaw and the cities of Yangon and Mandalay.
The next two legs are scheduled for January 11 and January 25.
Voting will not take place in rebel-held areas.
More than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are contesting the elections.
Only six parties – including the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party – have candidates competing nationwide. The Union Solidarity and Development Party is widely predicted to win.
Another 51 parties and independents will contest only for regional legislatures.
Former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in captivity. His hugely popular party, the National League for Democracy, is slated to disband in 2023 and is not participating.
UN ‘suppression’ order
The junta has passed laws that prevent “disruption” of the election, including protests and criticism.
It is prosecuting more than 200 people for violating the laws.
“These elections are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression,” UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement last week.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing cast his vote in Naypyidaw along with other military personnel, the French AFP news agency reported.
“We guarantee free and fair elections,” he told reporters. “This has been organized by the army, we can’t let our name be tarnished.”
Edited by: Rana Taha