Myanmar's First Phase of Election Sparks International Outrage
The polls have closed in conflict-ridden Myanmar, bringing to an end the first phase of an election that has been widely condemned as a sham. The ruling military junta has touted the vote as a return to democracy, but analysts say most candidates are seen as military allies.
The UN has warned that the election is being conducted in an environment of "violence and repression", with reports of warnings issued to displaced people who were told they would be attacked if they did not return to vote. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with intense conflict continuing to rage across large areas of the country.
Western governments have condemned the election, while China has provided support to the junta. However, the military's claim that the vote is being conducted with public support rings hollow when you consider that tens of thousands of people have been arrested for expressing political views since the coup.
The lack of meaningful opposition has been stark, with only six parties participating nationwide and most candidates seen as military allies. The ballot paper offers little choice, and many residents are reluctant to be interviewed due to fear of reprisal from the authorities.
The election has been described as a "theatre of the absurd" by UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews, who warns that it could further entrench the junta's rule and represent a significant step backward for the people of Myanmar. Campaigners have called on governments to reject the vote, describing it as an attempt by the military to manufacture legitimacy while slaughtering civilians with impunity.
The second phase of the election is set to take place on January 11, with a final round scheduled for January 25. But for many in Myanmar, the true question on everyone's mind remains: will they even be able to vote, or will their voices be silenced by fear?
The polls have closed in conflict-ridden Myanmar, bringing to an end the first phase of an election that has been widely condemned as a sham. The ruling military junta has touted the vote as a return to democracy, but analysts say most candidates are seen as military allies.
The UN has warned that the election is being conducted in an environment of "violence and repression", with reports of warnings issued to displaced people who were told they would be attacked if they did not return to vote. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with intense conflict continuing to rage across large areas of the country.
Western governments have condemned the election, while China has provided support to the junta. However, the military's claim that the vote is being conducted with public support rings hollow when you consider that tens of thousands of people have been arrested for expressing political views since the coup.
The lack of meaningful opposition has been stark, with only six parties participating nationwide and most candidates seen as military allies. The ballot paper offers little choice, and many residents are reluctant to be interviewed due to fear of reprisal from the authorities.
The election has been described as a "theatre of the absurd" by UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews, who warns that it could further entrench the junta's rule and represent a significant step backward for the people of Myanmar. Campaigners have called on governments to reject the vote, describing it as an attempt by the military to manufacture legitimacy while slaughtering civilians with impunity.
The second phase of the election is set to take place on January 11, with a final round scheduled for January 25. But for many in Myanmar, the true question on everyone's mind remains: will they even be able to vote, or will their voices be silenced by fear?
. The fact that most candidates are seen as military allies is super concerning, and it's like the whole thing is just a puppet show for the junta. They're trying to spin it as a return to democracy, but it's just not adding up.
. And now they're trying to tell displaced people that if they don't vote, they'll be attacked? That's just horrific.
. I think we need to do better than just condemning the election - we should be doing more to support the people of Myanmar who are actually being affected by it.
. The whole situation is just so messed up. I mean, a "return to democracy" when the military is basically running the show? Give me a break 
. And now they're trying to spin it as if people are actually happy with this election? Like, please 
. We all know how many people have been arrested for speaking out against them. It's not like they're hiding their true intentions. The lack of opposition is just staggering - six parties participating nationwide? That's not even a real contest 
. I mean, what other word would you use to describe a situation where people are being told they'll be attacked if they don't vote? It's just disgusting 
. And now we're supposed to believe this is some kind of democratic process? Please 
.
. And now there's even talk of a second phase on January 11?! Are we seriously going to watch them go through this charade again? It's like they want us to be brainwashed or something 
. I'm honestly just so done with all of this 
i mean its like how can you just legit say that an election with only 6 parties and mostly military allies is democratic ? it feels like the military junta is trying to pull a fast one on everyone . and theres this whole vibe of violence and repression which is making it hard for people to even participate in the first place 
I THINK ITS TIME FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO STEP IN AND DEMAND SOME ANSWERS. WE CAN'T JUST SIT BACK AND WATCH AS CIVILIANS ARE BEING THREATENED AND REPRESSED BY THE AUTHORITIES. WE NEED TO STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF MYANMAR AND FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHT TO FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY!!! 
theres no way anyone can take the ruling party seriously when tens of thousands have been thrown in the slammer for just expressing their opinions. 
what kind of democracy allows that kinda thing to happen? anyway, until someone steps up and puts their money where their mouth is, im gonna remain skeptical about this whole thing... 
. And let's be real, how can this election be considered legitimate when tens of thousands of ppl have been arrested for expressing their views? 
. The whole situation just seems so... toxic 
. I wish ppl could have a say in how their country is run without fear of reprisal 
. I mean, where's the choice for them? It's like they're trapped in this nightmare and can't wake up 
.
The UN is right – this whole thing feels like a theatre of the absurd 
... I mean, what's up with these military junta's and their "democracy" claims? They're just trying to whitewash their human rights abuses 
.
. The international community needs to be more vocal about calling out these authoritarian regimes 
. Can't we do better than this?
. Anyway, what really gets me is how people are too scared to even speak out against it. Like, where's the courage in being a democracy if you're gonna let someone silence you with fear? 
. I mean, come on, a military junta trying to pass itself off as democratic? Give me a break! 