Myanmar holds second phase of voting in first election since coup • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party): The political party favored by the Myanmar military.
• Aung San Suu Kyi: The previously elected leader of Myanmar, currently in detention.
• 2021 Coup: The military takeover of Myanmar, alleging voter fraud.
• Junta: The military government currently in power in Myanmar.
• Rohingya Genocide: The systematic persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, leading to a mass exodus.
• Reserved Parliamentary Seats: A constitutional provision guaranteeing a quarter of parliamentary seats to the military.

Political Context & Election Overview

General elections were held in Myanmar on a Sunday morning, marking the first nationwide polls after five years of military rule. Despite the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, the elections are occurring under a highly contentious environment. A voter expressed satisfaction with the ability to vote, stating, “We’re satisfied. Voting is better than not voting. It would be weird to sit by and do nothing.” However, the legitimacy of the elections is widely questioned due to the continued detention of the country’s previously elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Concerns Regarding Election Fairness & Military Influence

Analysts express significant doubts about the junta’s intentions, arguing that the elections are not a genuine attempt at public consultation. As stated by one analyst, “This is not about public consultation. Uh, this is about engineering an outcome where the military’s favored party wins a landslide.” The initial phase of the election process already demonstrated a favorable outcome for the USDP, the army’s preferred party, although voter turnout was relatively low at 50%.

A crucial element influencing the election’s outcome is the constitution, established during a prior period of military rule. This constitution reserves a quarter of all parliamentary seats for the military, irrespective of the results of the popular vote. This guaranteed representation ensures continued military influence in the legislature.

The 2021 Coup & Subsequent Civil War

The current political situation stems from the 2021 coup, where the military ousted State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The military justified the coup by alleging widespread voter fraud, a claim that international observers have refuted, finding “no evidence for” such allegations. This coup plunged the country into a brutal civil war, resulting in a death toll estimated to be “in the tens of thousands.” A citizen expressed a desire for peace, stating, “I want things to improve for the population after these elections. We want to get back to a peaceful situation.”

Repression & Restrictions on Dissent

The junta is actively suppressing dissent, enacting “Junta laws” that threaten individuals who protest or criticize the elections with prison sentences of up to ten years. This creates a climate of fear and restricts freedom of expression.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s Diminished Standing & Historical Context

While Aung San Suu Kyi remains a “symbol of democracy” for many in Myanmar, her international credibility has been significantly damaged by accusations of inaction during the Rohingya genocide. Despite this, she continues to represent the hope for democratic governance in a country that has largely been under military rule since its independence.

Synthesis

The Myanmar elections are taking place under deeply flawed conditions, heavily influenced by the military. The constitutional guarantee of reserved parliamentary seats, the suppression of dissent, and the questionable circumstances surrounding the 2021 coup all cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of the process. While citizens express a desire for peace and improvement, the elections appear designed to solidify the military’s power rather than reflect the will of the people. The future of democracy in Myanmar remains uncertain, complicated by the ongoing civil war and the diminished international standing of its former leader.