Myanmar Polls Open in First Election Since Junta Coup in 2021

Voters line up to cast their votes at a polling station near Sule Pagoda in Yangon on Dec. 28.

Photographer: Sirachai Arunrugstichai/Getty Images

Voters in military-controlled areas of Myanmar headed to the polls Sunday in a phased election largely considered a sham and expected to favor the junta-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party.

A total of 4,863 candidates from 57 political parties are competing, according to the Union Election Commission. Final results of the elections, which can’t be held in rebel-held areas, are expected to be announced in late January.