Return to “Democracy” or Military Rebranding?
Yangon: Myanmar’s junta staged heavily restricted elections on Sunday, claiming it as a return to democracy five years after ousting the last elected government, a move that sparked a nationwide civil war.
Former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains in prison, and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party has been dissolved, barring participation in the elections. Critics argue the vote is heavily skewed in favor of military allies.
International observers, including Western diplomats and the United Nations’ human rights chief, condemned the month-long phased election, citing suppression of dissent and lack of genuine democratic choice.
The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is widely expected to dominate, which critics describe as a rebranding of Myanmar’s martial rule.
Junta Claims Election is Free and Fair
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing cast his ballot in Naypyidaw, assuring reporters:
“We guarantee it to be a free and fair election. It’s organised by the military, we cannot let our name be tarnished.”
However, voting did not occur in rebel-controlled areas, leaving almost 20% of lower house constituencies without elections.
Despite opposition threats to attack polling stations, no major violence was reported during the first day of voting.
Low Voter Turnout Highlights Public Apathy
Unlike the high turnout during the 2020 election, voter participation in 2025 remained low. At a polling station near Aung San Suu Kyi’s vacant home, only 470 out of 1,700 registered voters (28%) cast their ballots.
- Bo Saw, 63, said:
“The first priority should be restoring a safe and peaceful situation.”
- At a downtown Yangon station near Sule Pagoda, turnout was below 37%, with locals largely dismissing international criticism.
Conflict Overshadows Political Process
In rebel-held areas like Pekon township, Shan State, displaced citizens remain skeptical:
“I don’t think this election will change or improve the political situation. Air strikes and atrocities will continue,” said 23-year-old Hman Thit.
Myanmar has a long history of military rule, interrupted briefly by civilian government reforms. Min Aung Hlaing’s coup in 2021 claimed voter fraud in the 2020 elections, following NLD’s decisive victory.
Since the coup, pro-democracy protests were crushed, activists fled cities to join guerrilla movements alongside ethnic minority armies.
Human Cost of Civil War
There is no official death toll, but estimates suggest up to 90,000 people have died since the coup, according to conflict monitoring group ACLED.
Aung San Suu Kyi is serving 27 years on politically motivated charges, with her son Kim Aris asserting she would not consider these elections meaningful.