Myanmar held the final phase of its month-long general election on Sunday, organized under the military junta’s authority. The army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is widely expected to secure a decisive victory. Critics argue that the election aims to extend military rule under the guise of civilian legitimacy. Voting began at 6 a.m. in several constituencies, though large areas under rebel control could not participate.

The country, long under military dominance, had moved toward limited civilian reforms in the 2010s before the 2021 coup halted that process and led to civil conflict and humanitarian crisis. The junta has promised to return power to the people, but the exclusion of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the dissolution of her National League for Democracy (NLD) have fueled claims that the polls are rigged in favor of the military’s allies.

Analysts note that the USDP, dominated by former military officers, already won most seats in earlier rounds. The new parliament will elect the next president, with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing seen as a possible contender. Official results are expected later this week.