Myanmar holds first election since military seized power

Myanmar has begun the initial stage of its first general election in five years, conducted on Sunday under the supervision of the country’s military administration. Voting took place despite ongoing civil unrest and conflict in several regions.

The complete election outcome is not expected until January, as two more rounds of voting are scheduled in the coming weeks. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who has led the country since the army takeover in 2021, is widely expected to assume the presidency following the process.

The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is seen as the strongest contender among the 57 political parties participating in the election. However, several major opposition parties have been barred from contesting.

While the ruling junta has described the vote as a step towards restoring democracy in Myanmar, critics argue that the process lacks credibility. The absence of popular opposition groups and reports of voters being pressured by security forces have raised serious concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the election.