Myanmar Junta Holds Second Phase of Election, Widely Dismissed as a ‘Sham Exercise’

Myanmar’s military rulers on Friday pushed ahead with the second phase of their long-promised national election, but the process has been widely condemned by opposition groups, civil society leaders, and the international community as a carefully staged exercise designed to legitimize continued military rule.

Polling took place in select regions under heavy security, with soldiers stationed outside voting centers and tight restrictions on media coverage. Independent observers were largely absent, and many areas affected by conflict were excluded altogether, raising fresh concerns about the credibility of the process. The junta has described the vote as a step toward restoring democracy, but critics argue it does little more than reinforce a political system tightly controlled by the armed forces.

Opposition parties, including those aligned with the ousted civilian leadership, were barred from participating, while dozens of political leaders remain in prison or exile. Pro-democracy groups said the lack of genuine competition and widespread fear among voters made it impossible to consider the election free or fair. “This is not an election in any democratic sense,” said a spokesperson for the shadow National Unity Government. “It is an attempt to cloak military rule with a thin layer of legitimacy.”

Turnout figures released by state media claimed strong public participation, but independent analysts questioned the numbers, pointing to reports of empty polling stations and communities refusing to engage in the process. In several regions, residents reportedly stayed indoors rather than risk being seen near voting centers, reflecting the deep mistrust that continues to surround the junta’s political roadmap.

International reaction was swift. Western governments and human rights organizations reiterated calls for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of civilian rule. The United Nations said the vote failed to meet basic democratic standards and urged Myanmar’s leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with opposition forces.

As conflict continues between the military and resistance groups across large parts of the country, the latest election phase appears unlikely to ease tensions. Instead, many fear it may deepen Myanmar’s political crisis, leaving the nation further isolated on the global stage and its people no closer to the democratic future they were promised.