Campaigning Starts in Myanmar Ahead of Controversial Military-Run Elections

As Myanmar gears up for its contentious elections on December 28, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty and skepticism. With a history of civil unrest and deep-seated challenges, the upcoming vote, largely perceived as an effort by the military regime to validate its hold on power, raises alarms over its legitimacy and potential implications for the nation’s future. This election is set against a backdrop of civil war, disbanded opposition parties, and a populace yearning for genuine democratic processes amid ongoing struggles.

Campaigning has commenced in military-led Myanmar, ahead of an election viewed both domestically and internationally as an attempt to bestow legitimacy on the military’s 2021 coup. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) launched its campaign with events in Naypyitaw and Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, marking the beginning of activities leading to the polling date.

Scheduled for December 28, this election has attracted criticism from various human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, which have labeled it a “sham.” The European Commission has also indicated it will refrain from sending election observers, asserting that the electoral process is unlikely to meet standards of fairness and freedom.

In the aftermath of the military’s takeover, the ruling government claims that the elections are a pathway to reconciliation in a nation scarred by conflict. This path was ostensibly paved after the ousting and imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), which previously won by significant margins in consecutive elections.

However, the realities on the ground tell a different story. Voting is not expected in about one-seventh of the national parliament’s constituencies, many of which remain active conflict zones. Additionally, numerous opposition parties, including the NLD, have been ordered to disband by the military-appointed Union Election Commission, severely diminishing the chances for a credible electoral contest.

Amid these challenges, several opposition groups, including armed resistance factions, have vowed to disrupt the electoral process and advocate for boycotts. Concerns surrounding the election have been echoed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who warned that the political landscape could become even more unstable. Diplomatic sources indicated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will not send observers, further undermining the military government’s effort to gain international recognition.

Despite the lack of credible competition, fifty-seven parties have registered to participate in the elections. However, the absence of the NLD and significant drawbacks within the current political structure suggest that the USDP is poised to secure the majority of seats.

As USDP campaign events drew only small crowds, widespread indifference became apparent among the populace. One individual in Rakhine state expressed a prevailing sentiment, stating, “This election means nothing to me. It is not a genuine election, and I see no one supporting it.” Another person, displaced by ongoing conflict, conveyed a sense of resignation about the electoral process, indicating a collective desire for stability and a return home rather than participation in what many perceive to be a façade.

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