In a country torn apart by war, Myanmar is set to hold an election that many are calling a sham. The military government, which seized power in a coup nearly five years ago, is holding a phased ballot, but the process is far from perfect. With major political parties dissolved, their leaders jailed, and as much as half the country unlikely to vote due to the ongoing civil war, the election is facing significant challenges. But here's where it gets controversial... The junta, with China's support, is seeking to legitimize and entrench its power, despite widespread opposition and a 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. Film director Mike Tee, actor Kyaw Win Htut, and comedian Ohn Daing were among the prominent figures convicted under this law, which was enacted in July. The United Nations' top human rights official, Volker Türk, has stated that civilians are being coerced from all sides, with armed rebel groups issuing threats to boycott the polls. The military has been fighting on several fronts, against both armed resistance groups and ethnic armies, and has lost control of large parts of the country. However, with relentless airstrikes enabled by support from China and Russia, the military has clawed back territory this year. The civil war has killed thousands, displaced millions, destroyed the economy, and left a humanitarian vacuum, made worse by a devastating earthquake in March and international funding cuts. All of this presents a huge logistical challenge for holding an election. Voting is set to take place in three phases over the next month in 274 of the country's 330 townships, with the rest deemed too unstable. But this is where most people miss the point... The election is being held for Myanmar, not for the international community. The Burmese junta has rejected criticism, maintaining that it aims to 'return [the country] to a multi-party democratic system'. So, what do you think? Is this election a sham, or a step towards democracy? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
