Myanmar's military junta is conducting a three-phase controlled election, with the first phase held on December 28 and subsequent phases scheduled for January. The National League for Democracy and other major parties are barred from contesting. The junta-backed USDP is the largest party participating. This election occurs amid a brutal civil war, with the junta controlling only about half the country and elections not being held in numerous townships. The junta aims to legitimize its rule, similar to its strategy in 2010.