Myanmar Junta Holds Restricted Elections Amid Civil War, Critics Call It a Sham

• Myanmar's military junta began heavily restricted elections, the first since its 2021 coup, amidst an ongoing civil war.
• Voter turnout was sparse in junta-controlled areas, with former leader Aung San Suu Kyi imprisoned and her NLD party dissolved and barred.
• Western governments, the UN, and activists condemned the polls as a move to entrench military rule, favoring pro-junta parties like Union Solidarity and Development Party.
• Voting is not occurring in large rebel-controlled territories, and nearly one-fifth of lower house constituencies are excluded due to conflict.
• Critics highlight repression, strict laws against dissent, and electronic voting machine limitations, while pro-democracy groups vow to continue fighting the regime.

Why It Matters: Myanmar's junta holds controversial elections, widely seen as a sham to legitimize military rule amid civil war.