First phase of elections begins in Myanmar amid tight military control

RNE Network.

Voting began on Sunday in the first phase of Myanmar’s elections, which are being held under strict controls across the country.

The ruling military government has described the vote as a step towards restoring democracy, five years after it removed the last elected government from power. The coup later pushed the country into a civil war.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing said the elections were “free and fair,” even though they are being organised by the military that took control of the country five years ago.