Myanmar Concludes Controversial Parliamentary Elections Amid Ongoing Civil War and Opposition Bans

Myanmar has concluded its controversial parliamentary elections amidst a five-year civil war and the banning of major opposition parties.

With the third and final phase of voting completed, the ruling military junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) appears set to secure a massive majority. Although the international community has criticized the election as "show-off" and "illegitimate," the military regime claims it was free and fair.

The process, which spanned one month, saw voting possible in only about one-fifth of the country's 330 constituencies. The USDP had already dominated the first two phases held on December 28 and January 11. Interestingly, this party won only 6 percent of the seats in the last free election in 2020. The military group's victory in this election is guaranteed because popular parties, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), have been banned.

While election day appeared peaceful, locals reported that the campaign period was marked by fear, intimidation, and terror. People are afraid to even speak about voting due to the fear of potential military action. According to the new constitution, Parliament will elect a new president within the next two months, and everyone anticipates that the coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing will be chosen. This ensures the continuation of military rule under a "civilian guise."

Myanmar has been mired in a deep crisis since the military seized power by overthrowing the democratically elected government in 2021. Thousands have died and millions have been displaced due to the civil war. Although the military has gained control in some areas with support from China and Russia, a large part of the country remains under the control of rebels.