- A military-backed party won a significant majority in the first phase of Myanmar’s general election.
- The election, the first since the 2021 coup, is being denounced by international critics as a sham and is part of the junta’s stated transition to civilian rule.
- Polling has been cancelled in many areas due to ongoing conflict, and pro-democracy groups are excluded from participating.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear anything about the election in Myanmar?

B: No, Kenji! What’s going on? It's a bit confusing, isn't it?

A: Yeah, it's pretty interesting. Basically, the military, who took over a few years ago, just held an election.

B: An election? After the coup? Seriously?

A: Seriously! And their party, the one supported by the military, won big. Like, a huge victory! They got 91 out of 102 seats.

B: Wow. They say it’s to go back to civilian rule?

A: That's what *they* say! But lots of people, internationally, think it's fake. A “sham,” they’re calling it.

B: That sounds bad. Are people voting then?

A: Some are. They say about half the people who *could* vote actually did. But they’re having the election in stages, over a few weeks.

B: Oh, stages? How many stages?

A: Three! They’re holding it by region. And… get this, a quarter of all seats in parliament are automatically held by the military! They don’t even vote for them.

B: That’s…not fair at all. Are people protesting?

A: Well, there’s a lot of conflict still happening. So, they couldn't even hold the election in almost 20% of the country. Also, groups who want democracy? They weren’t allowed to participate.

B: Seriously?! That’s terrible. Any sign of Aung San Suu Kyi?

A: Sadly, no. They released over 6,000 prisoners for Independence Day, but she wasn’t among them.