Myanmar Voters Cast Ballots in First Election Since 2020
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Myanmar Holds Controversial Election Under Military Rule
Table of Contents
– Updated December 28, 2023 at 00:14:09 PST
Overview
On November 12, 2023, Myanmar held its first general legislative elections since the military coup of February 1, 2021. The junta-organized election is intended by the ruling military regime as a step towards restoring stability and a return to democratic processes, but is widely dismissed by pro-democracy forces, opposition parties, and international observers as a sham designed to legitimize military rule.
Background: The 2021 Coup and its Aftermath
the 2021 coup d’état overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD). The military, citing unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 general election (which the NLD won by a landslide), seized power. This action triggered widespread protests and civil disobedience across the country.
The military’s response to the protests was brutal, with security forces using lethal force against demonstrators. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office,over 3,000 people have been killed and over 17,000 have been arrested since the coup. The coup also led to the formation of numerous armed resistance groups, including People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), challenging the military’s authority.
The economy has suffered significantly, with the World Bank estimating a contraction of 18% in 2021. The World Bank reports ongoing economic hardship and increasing poverty rates.
The Election: Restrictions and Boycotts
The election was held under a new electoral system imposed by the military regime, which significantly reduced the number of seats contested and imposed strict restrictions on political parties. Several major opposition parties, including the NLD, were barred from participating or boycotted the election, deeming it unfair and illegitimate.
Voting was also disrupted in many areas of the country due to ongoing conflict between the military and armed resistance groups. Reports indicate that voting was cancelled in several townships, affecting hundreds of thousands of potential voters. The military also imposed tight security measures, including increased troop deployments and restrictions on media access.
The union Election Commission (UEC), controlled by the military, oversaw the election.its impartiality has been widely questioned.
Key Players and Parties
The main party competing in the election was the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is closely linked to the military. Other smaller parties,many of which were newly formed or previously inactive,also participated. However, none of these parties have the widespread support or recognition of the NLD.