BANGKOK (AP) - Political parties in Myanmar, which is currently under military rule, officially began their election campaigns on Tuesday, marking two months until the scheduled national polls set for December 28. These elections are widely perceived as an attempt to legitimize the military's seizure of power in February 2021 amid an ongoing civil war that limits voting in several regions.
The campaign kickoff occurred shortly after U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concerns during a diplomatic meeting with leaders from Southeast Asia. He warned that the upcoming elections might exacerbate instability and further complicate the crisis in Myanmar.
Critics of the military-led government assert that the elections will not be free or fair. A total of 57 parties have registered to compete; however, the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, is notably absent from this list. The NLD has been sidelined as one of the many parties disbanded by the military-appointed Union Election Commission over two years ago, after it refused to participate in what it labeled a fraudulent process.
On Tuesday, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) held campaign launch ceremonies in the capital Naypyitaw and in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city. The USDP showcased its campaign slogan, "Stronger Myanmar," during an event attended by hundreds of supporters, predominantly dressed in green, and led by party leaders, including former generals who now hold government positions.
USDP chairman Khin Yi, a former general and chief of police, emphasized in his speech that the campaign would adhere to regulations and laws, claiming that the election results would provide legitimacy to the military's governance. While the USDP has commenced traditional campaigning, other parties are employing social media, particularly Facebook, for outreach. State-run television and radio will broadcast nightly programming featuring registered parties until November 24.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who heads Myanmar's military government, has indicated that six parties will compete nationwide for electoral seats. Due to ongoing fighting, however, it is impossible to hold polls in all 330 townships. Voting will occur in a phased manner: 102 township in the first phase and 100 in the second, leaving a significant portion of the populace without representation.
In the absence of the NLD and other significant opposition parties that could challenge the military-backed USDP—which is fielding over 1,000 candidates—the party is anticipated to secure a majority of seats in the parliament.
Several opposition groups, including armed resistance factions, have declared their intention to obstruct the electoral process. The General Strike Coordination Body, which organizes anti-military protests, announced via Facebook that it would call for an election boycott extending from Tuesday through the end of the year, urging public participation in this protest movement.
The military initially seized power on February 1, 2021, claiming that alleged widespread voter fraud in the NLD's landslide victory during the November 2020 election invalidated the results. The military junta has yet to provide credible evidence to substantiate these claims. This takeover ignited a national uprising resulting in intense fighting in various regions. In preparation for the elections, the military government has intensified efforts to reclaim territories held by opposition forces, with airstrikes reportedly resulting in numerous civilian casualties.
