Myanmar's Military Junta Faces Backlash Over Sham Election
Voters in war-torn Myanmar queued up on Sunday to cast their ballots in the second stage of a military-run election, with widespread criticism labeling it as a "sham exercise" devoid of legitimacy. The polls come at a time when the country is grappling with one of the most severe humanitarian crises in Asia.
The National League for Democracy party, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, was dissolved along with dozens of other opposition parties due to their inability to register for the elections. Rebel groups have also refused to participate, further diminishing the democratic process.
According to the United Nations and numerous Western countries, as well as human rights organizations, this election lacks freedom, fairness, and credibility in the absence of a meaningful opposition. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is backed by the military, has dominated the polls with 90 out of 102 seats won in the first phase.
The turnout was remarkably low at just 52.13%, significantly lower than previous elections held in 2020 and 2015. Analysts warn that any attempt to establish a stable administration under military control is fraught with risk, and such governments are unlikely to gain international recognition.
The junta's claim of the election being a success rings hollow, particularly given the widespread rejection by the international community. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing sidestepped questions about his future plans, instead hailing the polls as a demonstration of the people's desire for democratic participation.
Meanwhile, rebels in central Myanmar urged authorities to work towards increasing voter turnout. The election may lead to more instability in the war-torn nation, which faces dire humanitarian challenges with at least 16,600 civilians reported dead and 3.6 million displaced since the coup last year.
Voters in war-torn Myanmar queued up on Sunday to cast their ballots in the second stage of a military-run election, with widespread criticism labeling it as a "sham exercise" devoid of legitimacy. The polls come at a time when the country is grappling with one of the most severe humanitarian crises in Asia.
The National League for Democracy party, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, was dissolved along with dozens of other opposition parties due to their inability to register for the elections. Rebel groups have also refused to participate, further diminishing the democratic process.
According to the United Nations and numerous Western countries, as well as human rights organizations, this election lacks freedom, fairness, and credibility in the absence of a meaningful opposition. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is backed by the military, has dominated the polls with 90 out of 102 seats won in the first phase.
The turnout was remarkably low at just 52.13%, significantly lower than previous elections held in 2020 and 2015. Analysts warn that any attempt to establish a stable administration under military control is fraught with risk, and such governments are unlikely to gain international recognition.
The junta's claim of the election being a success rings hollow, particularly given the widespread rejection by the international community. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing sidestepped questions about his future plans, instead hailing the polls as a demonstration of the people's desire for democratic participation.
Meanwhile, rebels in central Myanmar urged authorities to work towards increasing voter turnout. The election may lead to more instability in the war-torn nation, which faces dire humanitarian challenges with at least 16,600 civilians reported dead and 3.6 million displaced since the coup last year.
I think it's concerning that Myanmar's military junta is trying to legitimize their election by claiming it's a reflection of the people's desire for democratic participation 
. The fact that opposition parties were dissolved and rebel groups refused to participate raises serious doubts about the process being anything but a sham exercise. 
With 52.13% turnout, which is significantly lower than previous elections, it's clear that many citizens are not invested in this process.
. It's also worrying that the junta's claim of success is being met with skepticism, particularly when the country faces such dire humanitarian challenges 
.
. It's a total joke that they're trying to pass off as legitimate. I mean, what's the point of even having an opposition party when they just get dissolved? 
The military is all like "oh look, we're being democratic now" but everyone else sees right through it 
. And let's be real, 52% turnout is super low - basically nobody wanted to participate in this farce. It's like they're trying to make a mockery of the whole system 
. The international community is totally on the military's case about this too, so I'm guessing Min Aung Hlaing won't be winning any awards for "best leader" anytime soon 
.. the way they're trying to hold this fake election its like they dont even care about the people of myanmar... they should be working on healing that country instead of trying to cover up their mistakes 
... and what really gets me is how the international community is not doing more to stop them... i mean, 52.13% turnout? thats crazy low 
... if you ask me, this election is just another example of a military junta trying to hold onto power instead of listening to the people's voices 
. And the turnout was so low, it's like nobody really wanted to participate 
. The international community is totally right to say this election isn't legit. It's not about the military trying to prove something to themselves or each other, it's about the future of the country and its people 
. it's like, how can we even call an election that doesn't have a real opposition "democratic" you know? 
. my thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or been displaced - we gotta be here for each other, fam 
. That means less than 1 in 5 people actually participated in this so-called "democratic exercise". 
. it's like, super clear that the opposition parties were shut down on purpose to rig the whole thing in their favor. and the turnout is basically non-existent, 52% of voters? that's not even a good start for a democracy. the USDP is just going through the motions, playing the role of the opposition party but really it's just the military's puppet 
. anyone think this election will actually lead to any meaningful change in Myanmar? probs not...
... what's even more disturbing is that this election is taking place at a time when Myanmar is literally on its knees, struggling to cope with the aftermath of the coup and the devastating humanitarian crisis 
the fact that the opposition parties were dissolved and rebel groups refused to participate raises serious questions about the legitimacy of this election 
. The turnout was low and I think that says a lot about how many people are really trusting this process. We need to make sure that any kind of democracy we're talking about actually works for everyone, not just those in power 
.
I'm so tired of all these elections with no real opposition... it's like they're not even trying to be fair 
.
, and this election just doesn't add up 
. Until then, it's all just a bunch of lip service 
.
like, hello international community isn't seeing through this? 
! I mean, come on, a military junta running an election? It's just so not fair 
. The fact that international organizations are saying this election lacks freedom and credibility makes me go "not even 
". And can we talk about how low the voter turnout is? Like, what even is the point of holding an election if nobody's gonna show up to vote? It's like the whole country is just going through the motions 
. I hope this election doesn't lead to more instability, but at the same time, I'm not holding my breath