- A military-backed party won a landslide victory in the first phase of Myanmar’s general election.
- The election, the first since the 2021 coup, is being presented by the junta as a step towards civilian rule, despite international criticism.
- Polling has been cancelled in many areas due to ongoing conflict, and pro-democracy groups are excluded.

A: Hey! Did you hear about the election in Myanmar? It’s kind of crazy.

B: No! What’s happening? Tell me!

A: Well, the military party totally won the first round of voting. Like, a landslide victory.

B: Seriously? But isn't there a lot of conflict there after the coup?

A: Exactly! They say this election is to get back to normal, but many people outside Myanmar think it’s fake. It's just for show.

B: Wow. So, who could even vote?

A: They said a lot of people voted, but a lot of areas couldn’t vote because of fighting. Plus, groups that support democracy weren’t allowed to participate.

B: That doesn't sound fair at all. Are they still holding elections in other areas?

A: Yep! They’re doing it in stages, across different regions. It’s going to take until January 25th.

B: That’s a long time! I wonder if things will actually change.

A: Me too. They even gave amnesty to over six thousand prisoners for Independence Day.

B: Really? Did they let Aung San Suu Kyi out?

A: Nope! No sign of her. It's a really complicated situation, you know?