Myanmar’s military-backed political party extended its lead after the second round of voting, official figures from the country’s election body showed Friday, leaving it on track for a parliamentary majority as the country heads into the final phase of its three-stage general election amid widespread conflict.
Critics, including human rights and opposition groups, say the polls are neither free nor fair and are an effort by the military to legitimize its rule after seizing power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The takeover triggered widespread opposition that has grown into a civil war.
