A Contested Ballot: Myanmar’s Military Pushes Elections Amid War and Repression

Myanmar is pressing ahead with an election widely criticised as illegitimate, taking place amid ongoing conflict, political repression, and deep public distrust nationwide.

The planned vote comes almost five years after the military overthrew the elected government, triggering mass protests and a violent civil war across the country.

Large parts of Myanmar remain under the control of resistance forces and ethnic armed groups, making fair and inclusive voting logistically unrealistic.

After suffering significant territorial losses, the military has regained some ground through relentless airstrikes, supported by military assistance from China and Russia.

The prolonged conflict has killed thousands, displaced millions, shattered livelihoods, and severely damaged the economy, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.

Authorities have introduced a harsh election law, charging more than 200 people and threatening severe punishments, including death sentences, for opposing the polls.

Several well-known filmmakers, actors, and comedians have been imprisoned for criticising election propaganda, highlighting the collapse of freedom of expression.

Voting is set to occur in three phases across selected townships, while instability means many regions and constituencies will be excluded entirely.

Despite condemnation from Western governments and calls for dialogue from Asean, the junta insists the election represents progress toward democracy.