The junta doesn't control all of Myanmar - who will be voting in this election? | DW News

Myanmar General Election Under Military Rule

Key Concepts:

• Hunta (Junta): The military government ruling Myanmar. Also referred to as the Tatmadaw.
• Tatmadaw: The official name of the Myanmar armed forces.
• Anan Suchi: The elected leader ousted in the 2021 coup, currently serving a 27-year sentence.
• Rohingya: A Muslim minority group in Myanmar, subjected to persecution and genocide accusations.
• Ethnic Armed Groups: Various armed groups representing Myanmar’s diverse ethnic minorities, many of whom are in conflict with the Tatmadaw.
• International Criminal Court (ICC): An international court that investigates and prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
• International Court of Justice (ICJ): The principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

Political Context & Election Overview

Myanmar is holding its first election since the military Hunta seized power in a 2021 coup, ending a period of limited democratic governance. This election is occurring amidst a brutal civil war and a severe humanitarian crisis, described as one of Asia’s worst. The election is being conducted in three phases across December and January. It has been widely condemned by the United Nations, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and international human rights groups as a sham designed to legitimize the Hunta’s rule. Opponents argue the poll is a cynical attempt to gain international acceptance. The Hunta has enacted laws with severe penalties for those who disrupt the election, and only parties approved by the military are permitted to participate. Two major parties have been dissolved or barred from contesting the vote.

The Civil War & Humanitarian Crisis

The UN reports that over 6,000 civilians have been killed and millions displaced since the 2021 coup. The conflict pits the Tatmadaw against pro-democracy guerilla fighters and powerful ethnic minority armed groups. The Hunta has lost control of some territories to these groups, who have declared they will boycott the election in areas under their control. The conflict is characterized by widespread violence, including airstrikes on civilian populations, resulting in the destruction of villages and mass displacement. Footage shown depicts the aftermath of an airstrike, revealing numerous civilian casualties. The Rohingya population continues to suffer, with many forced to flee to refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh after being driven from their communities. The UN warns that Myanmar is spiraling into a deeper humanitarian catastrophe, with ongoing attacks on civilian communities and widespread destruction.

The Role of Anan Suchi & Political Repression

Anan Suchi, the democratically elected leader before the coup, is currently serving a 27-year sentence on charges, including election fraud, which she denies. She is believed to be held in solitary confinement. The coup ousted her government, effectively ending a period of political opening. The Hunta’s actions demonstrate a clear intent to suppress opposition and consolidate power.

International Reactions & China’s Position

The election has received widespread international criticism. The United Nations, the UK, and Thailand have stated the election will not be free or fair. Human rights groups denounce it as a “smokescreen” to maintain the Hunta’s grip on power. However, China supports the election, prioritizing stability on its borders and access to Myanmar’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals. China’s support allows it to engage more openly with the internationally sanctioned Myanmar government.

Expert Analysis: Beth Van Schaack (Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice)

Former US Ambassador for Global Justice, Beth Van Schaack, unequivocally labeled the elections as “entirely illegitimate.” She highlighted the absence of opposition parties, independent election observers, and the ongoing civil war as fundamental flaws. She stated, “These elections are entirely illegitimate. There is nothing that is free or fair about them… the results are simply a cynical attempt by the Hunta to consolidate their power and to gain some measure of international legitimacy and the international community should simply not fall for this ruse.” Van Schaack emphasized that the election is not a genuine expression of the Myanmar people’s democratic aspirations, but rather a power grab by the military. She also pointed to the Hunta’s history of alleged genocide against the Rohingya people and the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against the commander-in-chief of the Tatmadaw, further undermining any claim of legitimacy. She warned of potential violence and coercion to force participation and invalidate the results.

Who is Voting & Who is Boycotting?

Voting is expected to be dominated by those who support the government or are dependent on the military for survival. Truly independent or opposition parties are not participating. Areas controlled by pro-democracy and opposition groups are actively boycotting the election.

Data & Statistics:

• Civilian Deaths: Over 6,000 since the 2021 coup.
• Displaced Persons: Over 3 million.
• Anan Suchi’s Sentence: 27 years.
• Rohingya Refugees: Large numbers residing in refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The Myanmar election is widely viewed as a deeply flawed and illegitimate attempt by the military Hunta to consolidate power and gain international recognition. The ongoing civil war, humanitarian crisis, and suppression of opposition render the election a farcical exercise in democracy. International condemnation is widespread, though China’s support provides a degree of insulation for the Hunta. The election is unlikely to resolve the underlying political and humanitarian crises in Myanmar and may, in fact, exacerbate them. The core takeaway is that this election is not a reflection of the will of the Myanmar people, but a calculated maneuver by a military regime seeking to legitimize its rule through undemocratic means.