Myanmar s junta leader dismisses critics as military allies head for landslide election win

Myanmar's military leader dismissed outside criticism on Sunday regarding the country's general election as the final voting round took place. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party had already claimed a majority in earlier rounds. So far, they have won 193 out of 209 seats in the lower house and 52 out of 78 seats in the upper house, following two voting rounds on December 28 and January 11. Voter turnout was about 55% for each round, which is significantly lower than the approximately 70% seen in the elections of 2020 and 2015. Major opposition groups are not participating in the election due to a civil war that began after a coup in 2021, which placed the military in power. The United Nations, various rights organizations, and the UK have criticized the elections as a way for the military to maintain control. Malaysia, which chaired the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations last year, has stated that the group will not support the election results. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing told reporters on Sunday, as shown on state TV, “We do not understand the international community's viewpoint. The people's vote is what we need for recognition.” The military claims the election is free from pressure and has popular support. On Sunday, voters were casting their ballots in around 60 townships, including major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. Min Aung Hlaing, dressed in civilian attire, was seen interacting with voters at a polling station in Mandalay, creating a seemingly relaxed environment, according to local media. The 69-year-old general and acting president has hinted at appointing a successor as the chief of armed forces and possibly stepping into a more political role, according to a source.