Myanmar's Controversial Election Sparks Political Turmoil

Myanmar's political parties begin election campaigns amidst ongoing civil conflict and international criticism. The polls, set for December 28, are viewed as a bid to legitimize the military's 2021 power seizure. Many opposition groups, including Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD, boycott what they deem an unfair process.

In military-controlled Myanmar, political parties launched election campaigns on Tuesday, setting the stage for national polls scheduled in December. The elections are perceived as an attempt by the military to legitimize its controversial 2021 power grab.

Despite the upcoming elections, the legitimacy of the process has been questioned internationally, notably by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned Southeast Asian leaders that the elections could exacerbate the crisis in Myanmar.

Major opposition forces, such as Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, will not participate, citing concerns over fairness. Armed resistance groups and other organizations are actively seeking to disrupt the campaign.

(With inputs from agencies.)