Jan 11 (Reuters) – Voters in war-torn Myanmar cast ballots in the second stage of an election dominated so far by the ruling military-backed party, as the junta sought to boost low turnout in the initial round of a contest widely dismissed as a sham.
Myanmar has been wracked by conflict since the military staged a coup against a civilian government in 2021 and detained its leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking a civil war that has engulfed parts of the country of 51 million people.
Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party, winner of the last two elections in landslides, was dissolved along with dozens of other anti-junta parties for failing to register, while rebel groups refused to take part.
The United Nations, many Western countries and human rights groups say the election is a ploy to formalize junta rule through civilian proxies and the competition is neither free, fair nor credible without significant opposition.
‘VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE’
The military insists that the vote has public support and is being done without coercion. He sought to give a positive boost to the election after the first phase on December 28 had a participation of only 52%.
“This is not only a victory for the government, but a victory for the people, an achievement for those who want democracy and peace,” his spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters on Sunday.
Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing traveled extensively to promote the election, hailing it as a success and urging people to vote. He is expected to play a central role in the next administration but recently dodged a question about his political ambitions.
A resident of Latha Township in the largest city Yangon, who did not vote but saw activity at a local polling station, said many people turned out early, worried about the repercussions if they didn’t vote and about being stigmatized if they did.
“They were afraid that something would happen if they didn’t vote, and if they did vote, they were afraid that others would find out,” he said on condition of anonymity.
ARMED PARTY MARCH TO VICTORY
The Party of Solidarity and Development of the Union, allied with the military, seems to win by a large margin after obtaining 88% of the lower house seats contested in the first phase. The party, created by the military back in 2010 to serve as its political vehicle, is filled with retired soldiers.
“The USDP is on track for a landslide victory, which is hardly surprising given the extent to which the playing field was tilted in its favor. This included the removal of any serious rivals and a set of laws designed to stifle opposition to the vote,” said Richard Horsey, Senior Myanmar Advisor for Crisis Group.
A 42-year-old Yangon resident told Reuters he cast his vote to avoid repercussions, but did not choose USDP.
“I voted for another party. I don’t even remember the name,” he said.
PROMISED TRANSITION
The last round of voting will take place on January 25th. The military said the election will bring political stability to Myanmar, which is facing one of the most serious humanitarian crises in Asia with thousands killed in conflict and, according to the United Nations, 3.6 million displaced.
However, analysts warn that the junta’s attempt to form a stable administration amid intense conflict is fraught with risk and any military-controlled government is unlikely to gain broad international recognition.
The spokesman of the Junta Zaw Min Tun said that in April a new government will be formed which will be accepted abroad, which will lead to the easing of sanctions and a return of foreign investment.
“I believe that after the election, restrictions will decrease, and international relations will become more open and visible,” he said.
(Reporting by Reuters Staff, Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal, Martin Petty and Michael Perry)