War-torn Myanmar to hold first general election since 2021 coup

Myanmar, a country engulfed in conflict since the military coup in 2021, is set to hold its first general election since the takeover. The upcoming vote has been criticized by many as a sham, designed to consolidate the military government's grip on power. The election, scheduled for August 6th, will take place amid an ongoing armed resistance against the military junta. The country's pro-democracy movement has largely boycotted the vote, citing the unfair playing field and the continued detention of political prisoners. The military, which seized power in a coup in February 2021, has touted the election as a step towards restoring democracy. However, international observers and human rights groups have expressed concerns about the credibility of the process, noting the severe restrictions on free speech and the exclusion of key opposition parties. Despite the controversy, the military-backed government is pressing ahead with the vote, setting the stage for a highly contentious and potentially volatile election in the war-torn nation.