Myanmar pro-military party claims win in controversial election

Myanmar's dominant pro-military party claimed an overwhelming victory in the first phase of the elections after democracy watchdogs warned the junta-run poll would entrench military rule. The election win will be a way for the ruling junta, in power after a military coup in 2021 against the elected government, to legitimise its governance. Elections were only open in areas under junta control, and there have been reports of the military forcing civilians to vote at gunpoint.