Myanmar is set to hold phased elections. Here's why they're being called a 'sham'

"CHIANG RAI, Thailand Myanmar's military rulers are planning a staggered general election beginning Dec. 28 and ending in late January. Their hope is that it will return some stability to the country and help end the junta's international diplomatic isolation. The vote will be taking place despite a brutal, ongoing civil war that followed the military's 2021 coup, plunging the country into chaos. Since then, the military has indiscriminately bombed civilians, thrown tens of thousands in jail and left millions more displaced."

"To ensure the elections go its way, the military has introduced a new law that bans what it calls "interference" in the election process. Human Rights Watch said in November that nearly 100 people had been detained under the law. By last week, the military said that number had more than doubled, some charged for posting on social media criticizing the election process, or even just 'liking' someone else's post."

"Several are facing lengthy prison terms for questioning an election even military leader Min Aung Hlaing admits won't be held in many contested or rebel held areas, which is almost half the country. Most Western governments have refused to send observers, denouncing the election as a "sham." Critics say the military is trying to create a parliament dominated by the military's proxy party, th"

Myanmar's military has scheduled a staggered general election from Dec. 28 to late January aiming to restore stability and reduce diplomatic isolation. The vote will occur amid a brutal civil war after the 2021 coup, with indiscriminate bombing of civilians, mass imprisonments, and millions displaced. Aid groups report over 11 million people facing food insecurity as the military attempts to retake territory held by opposition forces. A new law bans alleged "interference," prompting dozens of detentions for social media posts and likes. Large contested or rebel-held areas will be excluded, and many Western governments have refused to observe the ballot.

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