Polls close in first phase of Myanmar elections widely condemned as a sham
Turnout appears low for vote in which most candidates seen as allies of junta and large areas excluded by war Polls have closed in conflict-racked Myanmar, ending the first phase of an election that has been widely condemned as a sham designed to legitimise the military junta’s rule. The military has touted the vote as a return to democracy almost five years after it seized power in a coup, ousting the country’s then de-facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, detaining her and sparking a spiralling civil war. Continue reading...
War with opposition groups means large areas are excluded from poll, while recent law prohibits criticising a process regarded internationally as a sham
Polling stations have opened in some areas of conflict-racked Myanmar for an election that has been widely condemned as a sham designed to legitimise the military junta’s rule.
The most popular party is banned from running in the election, and large areas of the country will be completely excluded because they are under the control of anti-junta groups or racked by fierce fighting.
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