Airstrikes and Empty Ballot Stations Mark End of Myanmar Junta Poll

The final round of the junta’s three-phase election on Sunday was again overshadowed by nationwide conflict and widespread public rejection, as heavy fighting, airstrikes and resistance control across large parts of the country left many polling stations closed, relocated or deserted.

Despite the regime’s attempt to stage the vote as a show of authority, the day instead highlighted the extent of its eroding control across Myanmar’s conflict-hit regions.

Clashes were reported in eight of the nine states and regions covered by Phase 3 voting— Yangon and Shan, Kachin, Karen, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Bago, Mandalay and Ayeyarwady.