Myanmar’s military leader dismissed international criticism on Sunday as the country completed the final phase of a general election, with the military-backed party already securing a commanding parliamentary majority.
The vote comes amid an ongoing civil war and follows two earlier election rounds that delivered decisive wins for the ruling alliance despite noticeably lower voter participation nationwide.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party has already won 193 of 209 lower house seats and 52 of 78 upper house seats from votes held in late December and mid-January.
However, voter turnout stood near 55%, significantly lower than the roughly 70% participation recorded during the 2015 and 2020 elections held under civilian governments.
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Speaking to reporters, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said foreign recognition was unnecessary, arguing that public votes alone provided legitimacy for the process and future governance decisions.
He also maintained that the election was free from pressure, despite widespread claims from residents who described voting under fear of arrest or retaliation.
Voting on Sunday took place in around 60 townships, including Yangon and Mandalay, where turnout appeared higher in areas housing military families than in civilian neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, fighting continued in several regions during the campaign, with reports of air strikes near civilian areas further undermining confidence in the electoral process.
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Major opposition parties did not contest the polls after the 2021 coup that removed the elected government, while detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned.
Analysts warn the election is unlikely to restore legitimacy, instead reinforcing long-standing military dominance and deepening Myanmar’s political isolation.