Myanmar's Post-Coup Election: Low Turnout Amid Civil War, Credibility Doubts

• Myanmar's first post-coup election concluded its initial phase with low voter turnout and widespread skepticism over its credibility.
• The military junta, which seized power in 2021, claims the polls will restore stability, but critics deem them neither free nor fair.
• Opposition parties are largely barred, key political leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi remain detained, and her NLD party is dissolved.
• The military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is widely expected to dominate, facing little genuine opposition.
• The election takes place amid an ongoing civil war, displacing 3.6 million people and fueling a severe humanitarian crisis.

Why It Matters: Myanmar's post-coup election faces widespread rejection, seen as a junta move to legitimize military rule.