Myanmar junta claims victory in elections condemned by West

About 20,000 people fled from Myanmar into Thailand to escape clashes between troops and ethnic rebels after the country’s first vote in 20 years. The military junta claims it won 80 per cent of the votes in Sunday's election, which has been praised by China.

Refugees, who fled Myanmar when a battle erupted between Myanmar's soldiers and rebels, rest at the Thai border town of Mae Sot Reuters/ Chaiwat Bubprasom

At least three civilians died in fighting in the town of Myawaddy in Karen State.

The elections were boycotted by the main opposition group over widespread complaints of intimidation and the continued detention of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

Western governments denounced the polls as anything but free and fair.

On Tuesday, Myanmar’s junta claimed victory, saying it had won about 80 per cent of the seats, adding that turnout reached 70 per cent.

In Karen State, fighting erupted on Sunday, forcing thousands to cross into the Thai town of Mae Sot.

Residents in the area say the violence had subsided overnight with government troops pushing the rebel soldiers back into the forest.

“We heard the rebels just wanted to show their dissatisfaction with the poll,” one resident said.