• Myanmar's junta captures Demoso, enhancing election control for December 28 polls.
• The elections are criticized as a facade for military rule amid ongoing civil war.
• Civilian displacement exceeds 130,000 as violence intensifies prior to planned voting.
• Critics predict the elections will exacerbate conflict rather than foster democratic processes.
• International observers and local leaders denounce elections as unfree and unfair.

The military junta in Myanmar has reported capturing Demoso, a key town in the east, as it prepares for elections scheduled for December 28. This area has seen intense fighting as the junta attempts to reclaim territory from various armed groups, both pro-democracy and ethnic militia factions, which have pledged to obstruct the elections. The junta's efforts are seen as an attempt to solidify its authority amid a civil conflict that began after the democratic government was overthrown in February 2021, leading to widespread unrest, according to thejakartapost and channelnewsasia.

International observers have labeled the upcoming elections a "sham," arguing they serve primarily to legitimize the junta's hold on power rather than provide a genuine pathway to democracy. A notable concern is the junta's control over the election process, including the arrest of most leaders from Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). The absence of a competitive election landscape raises fears that the vote will be conducted under conditions that are neither free nor fair, as many regions remain under the control of rebel groups, according to indiatimes and scmp.

As the junta prepares for the elections, it has faced considerable challenges, including the displacement of over 130,000 people due to ongoing violence in areas such as Kayah state. Reports indicate that while the junta claims to have captured Demoso, evidence from residents suggests ongoing conflict and insecurity in the area, undermining claims of full control, according to channelnewsasia.

Political analysts argue that the elections will not resolve the underlying crises in Myanmar. Extensive reports show the junta's efforts to promote these elections as a path to peace are viewed skeptically by various parties both domestically and internationally. Analysts suggest that the military's strategy might include re-establishing its drafted 2008 constitution, potentially allowing for a facade of civilian governance while maintaining military dominance, according to trtglobal and indiatimes.

The junta's actions, including new laws penalizing dissent and the ongoing conflict with various rebel groups, indicate that the election process may lead to increased violence rather than the restoration of peace and democracy. As stated by opponents, the elections are unlikely to reflect the true will of the people under conditions marked by oppression and fear, leading to further instability within the nation, according to scmp and thejakartapost.