Myanmar has begun voting in a general election despite ongoing civil conflict and widespread doubts about its legitimacy. This is the first national election since the military seized power in 2021 by ousting the elected government. The junta claims the vote will help revive the country’s politics and economy, which have suffered years of instability. Critics, including the United Nations, several Western governments, and human rights groups, argue the process is neither free nor credible because anti-junta parties are excluded. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is participating, while the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by imprisoned Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, has been dissolved by the junta. The election will take place in three phases, with the first round now underway and subsequent rounds scheduled for January 11 and 25. Voting is planned in 265 of 330 townships, though the junta lacks full control in many areas. No date has been announced for vote counting or results, and analysts warn the election may only serve to extend military rule.