Myanmar’s Military-Run Elections: A Sham Undermining True Democracy and Regional Stability

On January 8, Myanmar—also known as Burma—moves deeper into authoritarian control as the military junta orchestrates the second phase of its so-called general elections. These elections, called by the very generals who seized power in a February 2021 coup, are devoid of genuine opposition participation; democratic leaders remain imprisoned or forced into exile. Instead of signaling progress toward democracy, these elections reinforce a brutal military grip that undermines national sovereignty and jeopardizes stability across Southeast Asia. Is This Really an Election—or a Military Power Grab? The junta claims normalcy as polling stations open across over a hundred municipalities including parts...