In brief
As Myanmar's first phase of elections closes, major political parties are dissolved, opposition leaders jailed, and half the country remains in civil unrest. Observers warn the military junta is merely attempting to legitimize its power amidst widespread condemnation and violence during voting.
The first of three phases of voting has finished in Myanmar, in an election widely dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved, leaders jailed and as much as half the country not expected to vote due to an ongoing civil war.
The military government is holding a phased ballot nearly five years after it seized power in a coup, prompting widespread opposition and spiraling into civil war.
Observers say the junta, with China's support, is seeking to legitimise its power as it seeks a way out of the devastating stalemate.
More than 200 people have been charged for disrupting or opposing the polls under a new law which carries severe punishments, including the death penalty.
There were reports of explosions and air strikes across multiple regions as the first round of voting took place on Sunday. A rocket attack on an uninhabited house in the Mandalay region injured three people, the region's chief minister told the BBC. Separately, a series of explosions damaged more than 10 houses in the Myawaddy township, with fatalities reported.
Voters expressed mixed feelings. While some described the election process as more disciplined and systematic, others, like Ma Su ZarChi from Mandalay, felt a sense of relief after casting their ballot despite the political turmoil.
The junta has been criticized internationally, with UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews calling for the rejection of the election, stating it is a theatre of the absurd performed at gunpoint.
Following phases of voting are scheduled for 11 and 25 January, with results expected around the end of the month. However, significant skepticism remains regarding the legitimacy of the elections and the future of democracy in Myanmar.
