Myanmar military reports 50 percent turnout in first election phase

Military hails elections as a ‘victory’, despite criticism from rights groups and reduced turnout compared with past polls.

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Myanmar’s military has claimed a voter turnout of more than 50 percent in the first stage of its national elections, framing the vote as “successful” despite widespread condemnation as a “sham” poll from rights groups.

Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said 52 percent of enrolled voters – more than six million people – cast their ballots on Sunday in the first phase of the three-part election, held amid an ongoing civil war.