• Myanmar's elections end with the pro-military USDP party claiming a majority.
• Critics argue the election was a sham, sidelining popular democratic figures.
• Voting was not conducted in substantial areas due to ongoing civil conflict.
• International bodies, including the UN, have condemned the elections.
• The military remains in control as the public faces harsh penalties for dissent.

The recent elections in Myanmar concluded with the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the dominant pro-military party, claiming a significant majority following a month-long voting process. Critics have labeled these elections a sham, arguing that they serve primarily to reassert military control rather than expand democratic governance. The election, marked by heavy restrictions on participation and lack of credible opposition, is seen as a strategy to legitimize military rule after the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's democratically elected leader, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.

During the elections, significant portions of the country, particularly regions affected by civil war, saw no voting due to insecurity, casting further doubt on the electoral process. The junta claimed this election phase aimed to return power to the people, but many popular political parties, including Suu Kyi's, were banned from participating. A senior USDP official reported, “We won a majority already... We are in the position to form a new government,” highlighting the military-backed party's preparedness to dominate the new government structure, as reported by Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.

While the USDP is poised to monopolize parliamentary power—augmented by a military reserve of 25% of seats—the international outlook remains grim, with the UN describing the election process as lacking legitimacy. UN expert Tom Andrews cautioned that recognition of the election results by external entities could undermine genuine efforts toward resolving Myanmar's political crisis. He stated, “International acceptance of this fraudulent exercise would set back the clock on genuine resolution to this crisis,” according to Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

Reports indicate that the military cracked down on dissent, implementing laws that punish criticism of the election with severe penalties, further consolidating its authority. Over 22,000 individuals are currently imprisoned under the junta's regime, reflecting the broader humanitarian and civil rights crisis exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict, as outlined by South China Morning Post and Le Monde.