YANGON – Myanmar’s citizens participated in the first stage of a national election on Sunday, a significant event as it marks the first such vote in five years. This election, taking place under the scrutiny of the military regime, unfolds amidst an ongoing civil conflict that engulfs much of the nation.

Observers criticize the election as a strategic move by the military to confer a veneer of legitimacy on its rule, which began after the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government in February 2021. Suu Kyi’s party had secured a sweeping victory in the 2020 elections, but was prevented from serving a second term.

In various parts of the country, including the bustling city of Yangon and the administrative capital Naypyitaw, citizens were seen casting their votes in locations such as high schools, government offices, and religious sites.

Detractors argue that the election lacks genuine credibility due to the exclusion of significant political parties and the suppression of free speech, all within a climate of intimidation.

There is a prevailing belief that the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party will claim victory, rendering the supposed shift to civilian governance illusory.

Nevertheless, the election might provide neighboring countries like China, India, and Thailand with a pretext to maintain their support, under the guise of fostering stability. In contrast, Western nations continue to impose sanctions on Myanmar’s generals, condemning their undemocratic actions and the harsh conflict against dissenters.

Security in Yangon, the country’s largest city, had visibly stiffened on Saturday, with armed guards stationed outside polling stations and military trucks patrolling the roads. Election officials set up equipment and installed electronic voting machines, which are being used for the first time in Myanmar.

While opposition organizations and armed resistance groups had vowed to disrupt the electoral process, no major actions were carried out.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s 80-year-old former leader, is not participating as she serves a 27-year prison term on charges widely viewed as politically motivated. Her party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to register under new military rules.

Other parties also refused to register or declined to run under conditions they deem unfair, and opposition groups have called for a voter boycott.

Amael Vier, an analyst for the Asian Network for Free Elections, noted a lack of genuine choice, pointing out that 73% of voters in 2020 cast ballots for parties that no longer exist.

Mobilizing opposition is difficult under the military’s repression. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 22,000 people are currently detained for political offenses, and over 7,600 civilians have been killed by security forces since they seized power in 2021.

Armed resistance arose after the army used lethal force to crush non-violent protests against its 2021 takeover. The ensuing civil war has left more than 3.6 million people displaced, according to the U.N.

A new Election Protection Law has added harsh penalties and restrictions, effectively barring all public criticism of the polls.

U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has stated that Myanmar is witnessing intensified violence and intimidation, noting that there are no conditions for the exercise of freedom of expression or peaceful assembly.

In these circumstances, both the military and its opponents believe power is likely to remain with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 seizure of power.

Voting is taking place in three phases, with Sunday’s first round being held in 102 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. The second phase will take place Jan. 11, and the third on Jan. 25. Final results are expected to be announced in late January.

While more than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six are competing nationwide with the possibility to gain political clout in Parliament.

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Associated Press writer Peck reported from Bangkok.