YANGON – Myanmar opened polling stations on Sunday for general elections, the first since the 2021 military coup that ousted the National League for Democracy, amid ongoing civil war and unrest. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is expected to secure victory, fielding one-fifth of all candidates while opposition parties remain sidelined or […]
Southeast Asia politics
Myanmar junta’s elections gamble struggles to gain legitimacy
Myanmar military rulers are turning to the elections in an attempt to consolidate power nearly five years after seizing control, but analysts warn the strategy faces long odds amid an ongoing civil war and deep international scepticism. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has openly urged voters to support candidates aligned with the powerful Tatmadaw, highlighting […]