(Yangon, 26th) Myanmar's final round of general election voting was held on Sunday in about 60 townships, with the military-backed party expected to secure an overwhelming victory in the military-led poll. Critics claim the election will only serve to extend the military's control over power.
In response to criticisms from various parties, Myanmar's military government leader Min Aung Hlaing told reporters outside a polling station in Mandalay on Sunday (January 25) that the election was the path chosen by the Myanmar people, adding that the people “can support whoever they want to support.”
Wearing civilian clothes, he inspected Mandalay polling stations on the same day. He said: “Whether or not the international community recognizes it... the recognition we need is the people's vote.”
Malaysia, last year's ASEAN chair, stated that ASEAN would not recognize the election.
Myanmar's general election was held in three phases: the first phase took place last December 28 in 102 townships, the second phase on January 11 this year in 100 townships. The Union Solidarity and Development Party, seen as an agent of the military, won over 85% of the lower house seats and two-thirds of the upper house seats in the first two phases.
Official election results are expected to be released later this week. Min Aung Hlaing himself did not run for election, but has not ruled out the possibility of becoming president after the election.
Wearing civilian clothes, he inspected Mandalay polling stations on the same day. He said: “Whether or not the international community recognizes it... the recognition we need is the people's vote.”
Malaysia, last year's ASEAN chair, stated that ASEAN would not recognize the election.
Myanmar's general election was held in three phases: the first phase took place last December 28 in 102 townships, the second phase on January 11 this year in 100 townships. The Union Solidarity and Development Party, seen as an agent of the military, won over 85% of the lower house seats and two-thirds of the upper house seats in the first two phases.
Official election results are expected to be released later this week. Min Aung Hlaing himself did not run for election, but has not ruled out the possibility of becoming president after the election.
According to Myanmar's Union Election Commission, there were about 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties contesting seats in the federal and provincial/state assemblies. The new Union Assembly will elect a new president, who will then form the new government.
Although the military has repeatedly pledged that the election would return power to the people, with former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi imprisoned, her National League for Democracy disbanded, and no elections held in opposition-controlled areas, democracy advocates say the election was essentially manipulated by military allies.
Verisk Maplecroft's lead Asia analyst, Hugo Brennan, told Reuters: “This election is less about resolving five years of turmoil and more about consolidating military control. Hopes of restoring legitimacy to Myanmar’s regime or improving relations with Western partners through this election are slim.”
Official data shows that turnout for the first two rounds was about 55%, much lower than the approximately 70% rate in the 2020 and 2015 elections.
The military government still calls it a successful election. However, many Myanmar voters say they participated out of fear, to avoid arrest or retaliation.
A 34-year-old Yangon voter, who did not want to be named, told AFP: "I have no expectations for this election. I think things will just keep dragging on."
Teacher Zaw Ko Ko Min, who lives in Mandalay, said: “Although I don't have high hopes, I still wish to see the country get better. I felt relieved after voting—I have fulfilled my duty.”
Although the military has repeatedly pledged that the election would return power to the people, with former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi imprisoned, her National League for Democracy disbanded, and no elections held in opposition-controlled areas, democracy advocates say the election was essentially manipulated by military allies.
Verisk Maplecroft's lead Asia analyst, Hugo Brennan, told Reuters: “This election is less about resolving five years of turmoil and more about consolidating military control. Hopes of restoring legitimacy to Myanmar’s regime or improving relations with Western partners through this election are slim.”
Official data shows that turnout for the first two rounds was about 55%, much lower than the approximately 70% rate in the 2020 and 2015 elections.
The military government still calls it a successful election. However, many Myanmar voters say they participated out of fear, to avoid arrest or retaliation.
A 34-year-old Yangon voter, who did not want to be named, told AFP: "I have no expectations for this election. I think things will just keep dragging on."
Teacher Zaw Ko Ko Min, who lives in Mandalay, said: “Although I don't have high hopes, I still wish to see the country get better. I felt relieved after voting—I have fulfilled my duty.”