Polls close in first phase of Myanmar elections widely condemned as a sham

Polls have closed in Myanmar, marking the end of the first phase of an election widely condemned as a sham intended to legitimize military junta rule. Turnout appears low, with most candidates seen as allies of the junta and large areas excluded from voting due to ongoing conflict. The military has promoted the election as a return to democracy nearly five years after seizing power in a coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and led to a civil war.