Myanmar is voting in an election widely dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved, many of their leaders jailed, and as much as half the country not expected to vote due to ongoing civil war.
The military government is holding a phased ballot nearly five years after it seized power in a coup, which sparked widespread opposition and spiraled into a civil war.
Observers say the junta, with China's support, is seeking to legitimise and entrench 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 that carries severe punishments, including the death penalty.
Polling began on Sunday following reports of explosions in at least two regions of Myanmar. Three individuals were taken to hospital after a rocket attack in the Mandalay region, one reported as serious.
Voters have noted that while the election feels more organized than previous polls, underlying fears persist. For many, the choice appears stark; as one first-time voter expressed, the hope rests in addressing the soaring cost of living.
Despite the military's claims of commitment to a democratic system, Western governments have labeled the election a sham, calling for genuine political dialogue ahead of any election proceedings.
Voting is set to occur in three phases over the next month in 265 of the country's 330 townships, but crucial regions remain unstable, leading to predictions of low turnout. The political climate is shaped by suppression against dissent, as significant political actors remain imprisoned and barred from participation.
The international community remains skeptical of the election's authenticity, as the military's attempts to consolidate power amid ongoing conflict raise questions about the true will of the Myanmar people in this armed and divided landscape.
