Myanmar votes in second phase of polls

MYANMAR’ junta held the second phase of elections yesterday that democracy watchdogs warn will let the military prolong its rule, opening polling in the constituency of deposed democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

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A woman casts her vote at a polling station during the second phase of Myanmar's general election at Kawhmu township in Yangon. I AFP

(AFP)

The armed forces have ruled Myanmar for most of its post-independence history, snatching back power in a 2021 coup after a decade-long democratic thaw, nullifying the previous poll, detaining Suu Kyi and plunging the country into civil war.

With Suu Kyi sidelined and her massively popular party dissolved, democracy advocates say the vote has been rigged by a crackdown on dissent and a ballot stacked with military allies.

Polls opened in dozens of constituencies, including Suu Kyi’s former seat of Kawhmu south of commercial hub Yangon.

Farmer Than Than Sint acknowledged Myanmar’s “many problems” but said she voted in pursuit of peace.

“We know it will not come right away. But we need to go step-by-step for our future generations,’ the 54-year-old said after voting.

The junta has pledged the three-phase election will return power to the people after it ends on January 25.