Myanmar Holds Election Amid Civil War and Fear

Voters in Myanmar describe a "climate of fear" during a national election held this week. The vote proceeded as a brutal civil war continues across the country. The BBC witnessed the polling at one station. Military-led authorities are holding the election for parliament. However, large parts of Myanmar are controlled by armed groups opposing the military government. Those areas will have no voting. Critics call the election a sham designed to give the military government legitimacy. The military removed the elected civilian government in a coup in 2021. Many opposition figures are now jailed or in exile. The main opposition party is boycotting the poll. It says the election cannot be free or fair under the current conditions. Despite this, some citizens still chose to vote. They told the BBC they felt pressured by local officials to participate. One voter said people were afraid of the consequences if they did not vote.