Myanmar's military rulers have begun holding phased general elections starting December 28, amid an ongoing civil war that has engulfed the country since the 2021 coup. The United Nations Secretary-General has condemned the vote, saying it will be "anything but free and fair."
Most Western governments have refused to send election observers, with many denouncing the process as a "sham" designed to legitimize the military junta's grip on power. The elections are being held in phases across different regions, with many areas under the control of resistance forces excluded from voting.
Since seizing power in February 2021, the military has faced unprecedented armed resistance from ethnic minority groups and newly formed People's Defense Forces. The civil war has displaced millions and devastated the economy.
"These elections cannot be considered legitimate when they are held under military rule, without genuine political freedoms, and with opposition leaders either imprisoned or in exile," said a UN spokesperson.
The National Unity Government, Myanmar's parallel civilian government in exile, has called on citizens to boycott the elections and continue supporting the resistance movement.
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