Newshour Polls close on first day of Myanmar's widely criticised 'sham' election
Dec 28, 2025
Ro Anumul Hassan, a Rohingya poet and photographer, provides a poignant look at life in overcrowded refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, highlighting dire healthcare and education gaps. Samira Hussain, a BBC correspondent in Kyiv, dissects President Zelensky's ambitious peace plan amidst ongoing conflict with Russia, touching on recent diplomatic efforts and security challenges. Together, they unravel the complexities of human rights and international politics, shedding light on the pressing issues of their respective regions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Election Amid Active Civil War
- Myanmar's election is taking place amid ongoing civil war and large parts of the country remain excluded from voting.
- The military aims to use the vote to legitimise its rule despite heavy opposition and territorial losses.
Repression Silences Dissent
- Critics face severe repression for opposing the election, including long prison terms for leaflet campaigns.
- Fear silences public opinion; many say they will vote but "not with our hearts."
Aung San Suu Kyi's Family Speaks Out
- Kim Aris reports he has had almost no contact with his mother Aung San Suu Kyi for over two years.
- He believes the elections are meaningless without the detained democratic leadership participating.