Myanmar Junta Holds Vote Amid Civil War

Myanmar's military government held an election on Sunday. The vote took place in three phases across the country. Critics and international observers call the election a sham. They say its only purpose is to create a false image of democracy. The goal, they argue, is to keep the military in control. The country is currently divided by a widespread civil war. Many major regions did not participate due to active conflict and resistance. The military, known as the junta, seized power in a 2021 coup. It has outlawed major opposition parties and jailed their leaders. This election is the first since the coup. The results are widely expected to favor the military's political party.