Myanmar's first phase of elections has closed in a country mired in conflict and under military rule. The election, touted as a return to democracy, has been widely condemned as a sham designed to legitimize the junta's authority.
The military's proxy parties, backed by the Union Solidarity and Development party (USDP), are expected to dominate the voting landscape. Campaigning for the election has been subdued, with few public displays of support for the opposition, who have had their party and leader Aung San Suu Kyi banned from participating.
Analysts say most candidates are seen as military allies, while UN officials describe the environment in which the vote is taking place as "violence and repression". The election has been marred by intimidation, with many residents reluctant to speak publicly about their views or participate in the voting process.
The military has dismissed criticism of the election, claiming it will be a free and fair democratic exercise. However, human rights groups and observers have warned that the vote is taking place in an atmosphere of fear and repression.
The conflict-ridden country has been plunged into economic turmoil, with half the population living below the poverty line. The humanitarian crisis is "one of the world's most dire and yet underfunded", according to the UN.
As the results are announced, many are questioning the legitimacy of the election. Campaigners have called on governments to reject the vote, citing a lack of true democratic representation. For those living in Myanmar, the fear of persecution and arrest hangs over them like a specter, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of their country's ongoing crisis.
As the second phase of the vote approaches, many are bracing themselves for what could be another dismal chapter in a long-running struggle for democracy and human rights.
The military's proxy parties, backed by the Union Solidarity and Development party (USDP), are expected to dominate the voting landscape. Campaigning for the election has been subdued, with few public displays of support for the opposition, who have had their party and leader Aung San Suu Kyi banned from participating.
Analysts say most candidates are seen as military allies, while UN officials describe the environment in which the vote is taking place as "violence and repression". The election has been marred by intimidation, with many residents reluctant to speak publicly about their views or participate in the voting process.
The military has dismissed criticism of the election, claiming it will be a free and fair democratic exercise. However, human rights groups and observers have warned that the vote is taking place in an atmosphere of fear and repression.
The conflict-ridden country has been plunged into economic turmoil, with half the population living below the poverty line. The humanitarian crisis is "one of the world's most dire and yet underfunded", according to the UN.
As the results are announced, many are questioning the legitimacy of the election. Campaigners have called on governments to reject the vote, citing a lack of true democratic representation. For those living in Myanmar, the fear of persecution and arrest hangs over them like a specter, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of their country's ongoing crisis.
As the second phase of the vote approaches, many are bracing themselves for what could be another dismal chapter in a long-running struggle for democracy and human rights.
I'm really worried about these elections in Myanmar. It feels like the military is just trying to maintain its grip on power, not have any real democratic process. The fact that most candidates are seen as military allies doesn't fill me with hope either. 
And yeah, it's crazy that human rights groups and observers are saying this environment is basically a "violence and repression" zone... that's just scary for the people of Myanmar.
And to think they're trying to hold elections during a humanitarian crisis like this? It's just not right. I wish more people were speaking out against this and calling for real change, rather than just going through the motions.
. This election just feels like a farce to me. I mean, we all know the military's got too much control over this thing, and it's not like they're gonna let anyone speak out against them. The whole situation is just so sad... and it makes me think about Aung San Suu Kyi, who was like a beacon of hope for the people back in the day 
. Now she's basically been silenced, and it's just heartbreaking.
. The UN is saying that half the population is living below the line... what kind of democracy can we even talk about when people are struggling to get by? 
. The fear and repression are just so suffocating... it's like they're living under a constant cloud of dread 
️. And now with the second phase of the vote approaching, I don't even know what to expect anymore 
. I mean, how can you even call an election "free and fair" when there's intimidation and repression going on everywhere? 
it's just not right for people who are living in poverty, struggling to access basic necessities like food and healthcare... they should be at the forefront of making sure their voices are heard, not being silenced by fear 
. and what about Aung San Suu Kyi? she was a beacon of hope for democracy in Myanmar, and now her party is banned from participating? it's just heartbreaking 
.
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to hold an election in a country that's still dealing with all these conflict issues? And now they're saying it's going to be democratic and free and fair... please 
. The fact that most of the candidates are just military proxies is like, totally not surprising at this point. It's all about maintaining power and control, you know?
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. It's like we're all just watching from the sidelines while Myanmar sinks deeper into crisis. I don't know, man... seems like another example of the military using democracy as a tool to stay in power 
.
And the fact that most candidates are seen as military allies just adds to the whole 'sham' thing... 
I just hope the international community keeps a close eye on this one, 'cause we really need to see some real change in Myanmar ASAP 
the military is just using it to stay in power and crush the opposition 
its so sad because the people are suffering, half the country lives below poverty line 
and theres all this conflict going on. i feel like the whole world is just watching this unfold but not doing enough 
i mean we know whats happening but what can we really do? 
they deserve a real democracy, not some sham election that just legitims the militaries rule 
... no wait, actually I'm not sure if it's legit at all 
I mean, have you seen the turnout? It's like people are too scared to even show up. And the opposition party that used to represent the voice of the people, Aung San Suu Kyi, is basically banned from participating. That's not democracy, that's just a power grab by the military 
whoever says it's gonna be free and fair must be trolling 
this whole thing feels so fake to me... all this military talk is giving me anxiety 
. And don't even get me started on the intimidation and repression - it's just unacceptable 
. The fact that they're even having an election now is a huge step forward, even if it's not perfect 
I know there are concerns about voter intimidation and whatnot, but I think it's awesome that people are still showing up to cast their ballots despite all the challenges 
. And hey, even if the election doesn't go exactly as planned, at least we're seeing some progress, right? 