Myanmar's military rulers are holding a general election in phases starting Dec. 28 amid the country's civil war. The head of the U.N. says the vote will be anything but free and fair.

Observers say the vote, accompanied by a renewed crackdown on dissent, is meant to entrench the junta's power.

As Myanmar goes to the polls on Sunday in the first of three phases in a tightly controlled election, brightly coloured campaign posters loom over families with children still hacking a living from the rubble of buildings destroyed in Mandalay’s devastating earthquake nine months ago.

Through film, I want people to feel empathy to see women’s emotions, existence, and oppression in new ways. My mind is always thinking for them.”

In the coming hours, the people of Myanmar will get their first opportunity to vote in an election since the military seized power in a coup in 2021. The poll has been delayed several times by the ruling junta and many consider that a change is unlikely.

Junta set to hold three-phased elections in 265 of country's 330 townships on Dec. 28, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 - Anadolu Ajansı

Dressed in civilian clothes, Min Aung Hlaing held up an ink-soaked little finger, smiling widely to reporters after casting his vote, according to footage aired by Myanmar state television MRTV. Voters must dip a finger into indelible ink after casting a ballot to ensure they don't vote more than once.

New Delhi must listen to the aspirations of the country’s people, rather than backing the military clique that has never been serious about India’s interests.