Myanmar to hold first general election in nearly five years amid ongoing violence

Myanmar will hold the initial phase of its general election on 28 December, marking the first polls in nearly five years. The election, already criticised as a sham by opponents, will be held in phases over December and January for security reasons, with subsequent dates to be announced later.

A total of 55 political parties have registered for the election in the war torn country, with nine planning to compete nationwide.

However, anti-junta opposition groups have been barred from running or have refused to participate, diminishing the election’s legitimacy in the eyes of many. The election is expected to be dominated by military proxies.

"Six parties are under review for approval and registration," The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported earlier this month.

A newly-formed interim administration announced it plans to hold voting in more than 300 constituencies, including regions controlled by armed opposition groups.

Despite a nationwide census conducted by the junta last year to create voter rolls, surveys were only completed in 145 of Myanmar's 330 townships.

Since a 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected civilian government, the country has been mired in violence and resistance from armed groups against the military junta, led by Min Aung Hlaing.

The junta has faced fierce opposition, and the upcoming election is seen by critics as an attempt to solidify the generals' power.

The military's coup was justified by claims of widespread fraud in the November 2020 election, which saw Suu Kyi’s party win decisively. However, no evidence has been found to support the fraud claims that would have altered the election outcome.

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