Myanmar Holds Phased Election Amid Conflict and Tight Security

Myanmar has begun voting in an election widely dismissed by critics and international observers as illegitimate, with major political parties dissolved, key leaders jailed, and large parts of the country unable to participate due to an ongoing civil war.

The phased polls, which began on Sunday, are being organised by the military government nearly five years after it seized power in a 2021 coup, an event that triggered nationwide protests and escalated into armed resistance across the country.

Observers say the junta is seeking to legitimise and consolidate its rule, with backing from external allies including China, as it looks for a political exit from a prolonged and destabilising stalemate.

Under a recently enacted law, more than 200 people have been charged for opposing or disrupting the election.

The law carries severe penalties, including the death sentence.

Explosions were reported in at least two regions. In the Mandalay region, three people were hospitalised following a rocket attack on an uninhabited house early Sunday, according to the regional chief minister.

of the injured is reported to be in serious condition.

Separately, a series of explosions late Saturday damaged more than ten houses in Myawaddy township near the Thai border.

The military leadership has rejected accusations that the election lacks credibility.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, speaking after casting his vote at a heavily guarded polling station in the capital, insisted the process would be “free and fair” and aimed at restoring a multi-party democratic system.

Critics argue that with widespread fighting, political repression, and limited participation, the election does little to resolve Myanmar’s deepening political and humanitarian crisis. Agencies