Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to win a second term in office when authorities in Myanmar release early election results on Monday.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi in line for second term

Myanmar`s ruling party said on Monday it had won enough seats in parliament to form the next government, after reporting a lead based on its unofficial count of votes from the country’s second general election since the end of strict military rule.

Party spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters internal reports showed the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, had won the 322 seats in parliament needed, though no official results had been announced by the election commission.

"We thank the people," he said. "For the people, for the party, this is such an encouraging election result."

The Election Commission is expected to announce official results later on Monday.

Sunday`s election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Suu Kyi and the NLD, which remains hugely popular at home but has seen its reputation collapse overseas amid allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Up for grabs in the election are 315 seats in the 425-member lower house and 161 seats in the 217-seat upper house of parliament.

The NLD came to power after a 2015 landslide in which it won a total of 390 seats, a benchmark Myo Nyunt said it expected to exceed, according to data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations across the country.

A spokesman for the second biggest party, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) could not immediately be reached for comment.

The military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly 50 years until it began withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011, controls a quarter of seats in both houses of parliament, under a constitution it drew up and which Suu Kyi and her allies want to amend.

The NLD had been expected to win but with a smaller margin following the emergence of new parties and ethnic minority parties gaining support in some regions.

SOME UNABLE TO VOTE

In contrast to the wave of optimism that greeted the NLD`s landslide win in 2015, Myanmar went into this election under a cloud of a surging COVID-19 outbreak, economic hardship and escalating ethnic conflicts.

Although Myanmar is seeing an average of 1,100 new coronavirus cases a day - compared with a handful in early August - fears of the virus appeared not to dampen Sunday`s turnout among the 37 million registered voters.

The Election Commission has yet to release data on turnout but in the biggest city, Yangon, long lines of voters wearing face masks and shields formed from dawn.

But more than a million people across the country were unable to vote after polls were cancelled due to insurgencies.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya, a Muslim minority confined to camps and villages in Myanmar`s Rakhine State, most without citizenship, were also unable to vote.

The Democracy and Human Rights Party, a Rohingya party, said in a statement it was "utterly disappointed" that its people had been disenfranchised.

The election commission has said the polls in areas affected by conflict had to be cancelled for safety reasons and that only citizens were entitled to vote.

Most Rohingya are not considered Myanmar citizens but migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh even though many can trace family roots back many generations.

The United Nations has said there was genocidal intent in a 2017 army crackdown that forced 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.

Myanmar rejects that saying its security forces were carrying out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants.

Myanmar`s ruling party said on Monday it had won enough seats in parliament to form the next government, after reporting a lead based on its unofficial count of votes from the country’s second general election since the end of strict military rule.

Myanmar`s ruling party said on Monday it had won enough seats in parliament to form the next government, after reporting a lead based on its unofficial count of votes from the country’s second general election since the end of strict military rule. Party spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters internal reports showed the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, had won the 322 seats in parliament needed, though no official results had been announced by the election commission. "We thank the people," he said. "For the people, for the party, this is such an encouraging election result." The Election Commission is expected to announce official results later on Monday. Sunday`s election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Suu Kyi and the NLD, which remains hugely popular at home but has seen its reputation collapse overseas amid allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Up for grabs in the election are 315 seats in the 425-member lower house and 161 seats in the 217-seat upper house of parliament. The NLD came to power after a 2015 landslide in which it won a total of 390 seats, a benchmark Myo Nyunt said it expected to exceed, according to data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations across the country. A spokesman for the second biggest party, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) could not immediately be reached for comment. The military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly 50 years until it began withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011, controls a quarter of seats in both houses of parliament, under a constitution it drew up and which Suu Kyi and her allies want to amend. The NLD had been expected to win but with a smaller margin following the emergence of new parties and ethnic minority parties gaining support in some regions. SOME UNABLE TO VOTE In contrast to the wave of optimism that greeted the NLD`s landslide win in 2015, Myanmar went into this election under a cloud of a surging COVID-19 outbreak, economic hardship and escalating ethnic conflicts. Although Myanmar is seeing an average of 1,100 new coronavirus cases a day - compared with a handful in early August - fears of the virus appeared not to dampen Sunday`s turnout among the 37 million registered voters. The Election Commission has yet to release data on turnout but in the biggest city, Yangon, long lines of voters wearing face masks and shields formed from dawn. But more than a million people across the country were unable to vote after polls were cancelled due to insurgencies. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya, a Muslim minority confined to camps and villages in Myanmar`s Rakhine State, most without citizenship, were also unable to vote. The Democracy and Human Rights Party, a Rohingya party, said in a statement it was "utterly disappointed" that its people had been disenfranchised. The election commission has said the polls in areas affected by conflict had to be cancelled for safety reasons and that only citizens were entitled to vote. Most Rohingya are not considered Myanmar citizens but migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh even though many can trace family roots back many generations. The United Nations has said there was genocidal intent in a 2017 army crackdown that forced 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Myanmar rejects that saying its security forces were carrying out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants.

Suu Kyi's party claims victory in Myanmar as its vote tally shows lead

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Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

And Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains the country's most popular political figure by far.

In 2015, Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy party roared to a landslide election victory. Critics have since felt her administration failed to embrace democratic principles, and have often accused it of genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

Suu Kyi and her party are also accused of being more concerned about entrenching itself in power than encouraging a broad-based democracy.

Despite this, her party is expected to again top the polls this year.

The state election commission has also been accused of conniving with Suu Kyi's ruling party by cancelling voting in some areas where parties critical of the government were certain to win seats.

The Union Election Commission insisted the voting was cancelled because of armed conflict with ethnic guerrillas in those areas.

The West was shocked at the brutal 2017 counter-insurgency campaign by Myanmar's army that drove about 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh, drawing accusations of genocide. It also sent Suu Kyi's reputation with Western admirers into a tailspin when she failed to restrain the security forces.

 
&nbsp;

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases. And Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains the country's most popular political figure by far. In 2015, Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy party roared to a landslide election victory. Critics have since felt her administration failed to embrace democratic principles, and have often accused it of genocide of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi and her party are also accused of being more concerned about entrenching itself in power than encouraging a broad-based democracy. Despite this, her party is expected to again top the polls this year. The state election commission has also been accused of conniving with Suu Kyi's ruling party by cancelling voting in some areas where parties critical of the government were certain to win seats. The Union Election Commission insisted the voting was cancelled because of armed conflict with ethnic guerrillas in those areas. The West was shocked at the brutal 2017 counter-insurgency campaign by Myanmar's army that drove about 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh, drawing accusations of genocide. It also sent Suu Kyi's reputation with Western admirers into a tailspin when she failed to restrain the security forces.

Aung San Suu Kyi's party expected to win second term in Myanmar polls despite accusations of genocide

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority.

There was global revulsion at military-backed operations in 2017 that saw hundreds of thousands of people flee burning villages into the squalor of refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-chief-accuses-government-of-unacceptable-mistakes-ahead-of-election-340534" hreflang="en">Myanmar army chief accuses govt of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election</a>

The horrifying violence,&nbsp;including widespread reports of murder and rape,&nbsp;has left Suu Kyi's international reputation in tatters and sees Myanmar facing genocide charges at the UN's top court.

But Than Htay, leader of the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), insists Myanmar has nothing to be sorry for.

"I cannot accept useless people in our country," Than Htay told AFP of the stateless Rohingya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-expert-airs-human-rights-concerns-ahead-of-myanmar-vote-340405" hreflang="en">UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote</a>

The USDP is the main opposition group standing against Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party in this week's polls, Myanmar's second after emerging from outright military rule in 2011.

Than Htay told a campaign rally he was free of "Muslim or Chinese" blood, while his deputy slurred an NLD Muslim candidate, according to local news site Myanmar Now.

USDP supporters even created a parody of an NLD anthem, claiming Suu Kyi's party had welcomed "Bengali Muslims as if they were gods".

Stripped of citizenship and rights over decades, the Rohingya are widely referred to in Myanmar by the pejorative term "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants.

'Picnic' or genocide?

The uncompromising campaign rhetoric shows that anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainly Buddhist Myanmar remains "fair game",&nbsp;Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win told AFP.

"There is no danger for political parties to speak out against either the Rohingya or Muslims in general," he said.

Just four percent of Myanmar's 55-million population are Muslim.&nbsp;

They have no mainstream political representation and are often discriminated against in schools or when applying for ID cards or jobs.

The brutal ejection of the Rohingya in 2017 was seen very differently inside the country, where the government maintains the military was simply rooting out Rohingya insurgents and did not force the community to flee.

"They left happily," Than Htay told AFP in an interview late August at the USDP's opulent headquarters in the capital, Naypyidaw.

"If they'd been running from the military, they wouldn't have prepared their bags as if going on a picnic."

Rebrand 'failure'&nbsp;

Suu Kyi's NLD party -- born out of the pro-democracy movement under the former junta --&nbsp;is widely expected to be returned to office in Sunday's polls.

The nation only emerged from outright military rule a decade ago and the armed forces still wield enormous power, retaining control of a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries.

Stacked with former army officers, the USDP is now trying to downplay its links to the military in a country still deeply suspicious of the institution.

Than Htay, who attained the rank of Major General before retiring, insisted: "I'm a civilian now," although conceded army chief Min Aung Hlaing was an old childhood friend.

"We were commanders at the same military command. Our families are close. But that's all. We have boundaries between us."

The USDP ruled Myanmar after a hugely flawed election in 2010, boycotted by the NLD and other parties.

In 2015, the party won 28 percent of the popular vote, although the country's electoral system meant this translated as only eight percent of electable seats.

Than Htay underlined to AFP what he saw as the NLD government's economic failures during its five-year term -- a drop in GDP, more debt and an increase in living costs.

But the USDP has "failed to rebrand itself", concluded watchdog International Crisis Group.

Analyst Khin Zaw Win warned a "tacit" alliance between the military and NLD could even make the USDP redundant.&nbsp;

"If this develops, the military will have no further use for the USDP," he said.

"The party runs the risk of losing its main prop."

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority.

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority. There was global revulsion at military-backed operations in 2017 that saw hundreds of thousands of people flee burning villages into the squalor of refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. Also read: Myanmar army chief accuses govt of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election The horrifying violence, including widespread reports of murder and rape, has left Suu Kyi's international reputation in tatters and sees Myanmar facing genocide charges at the UN's top court. But Than Htay, leader of the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), insists Myanmar has nothing to be sorry for. "I cannot accept useless people in our country," Than Htay told AFP of the stateless Rohingya. Also read: UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote The USDP is the main opposition group standing against Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party in this week's polls, Myanmar's second after emerging from outright military rule in 2011. Than Htay told a campaign rally he was free of "Muslim or Chinese" blood, while his deputy slurred an NLD Muslim candidate, according to local news site Myanmar Now. USDP supporters even created a parody of an NLD anthem, claiming Suu Kyi's party had welcomed "Bengali Muslims as if they were gods". Stripped of citizenship and rights over decades, the Rohingya are widely referred to in Myanmar by the pejorative term "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants. 'Picnic' or genocide? The uncompromising campaign rhetoric shows that anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainly Buddhist Myanmar remains "fair game", Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win told AFP. "There is no danger for political parties to speak out against either the Rohingya or Muslims in general," he said. Just four percent of Myanmar's 55-million population are Muslim. They have no mainstream political representation and are often discriminated against in schools or when applying for ID cards or jobs. The brutal ejection of the Rohingya in 2017 was seen very differently inside the country, where the government maintains the military was simply rooting out Rohingya insurgents and did not force the community to flee. "They left happily," Than Htay told AFP in an interview late August at the USDP's opulent headquarters in the capital, Naypyidaw. "If they'd been running from the military, they wouldn't have prepared their bags as if going on a picnic." Rebrand 'failure' Suu Kyi's NLD party -- born out of the pro-democracy movement under the former junta -- is widely expected to be returned to office in Sunday's polls. The nation only emerged from outright military rule a decade ago and the armed forces still wield enormous power, retaining control of a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries. Stacked with former army officers, the USDP is now trying to downplay its links to the military in a country still deeply suspicious of the institution. Than Htay, who attained the rank of Major General before retiring, insisted: "I'm a civilian now," although conceded army chief Min Aung Hlaing was an old childhood friend. "We were commanders at the same military command. Our families are close. But that's all. We have boundaries between us." The USDP ruled Myanmar after a hugely flawed election in 2010, boycotted by the NLD and other parties. In 2015, the party won 28 percent of the popular vote, although the country's electoral system meant this translated as only eight percent of electable seats. Than Htay underlined to AFP what he saw as the NLD government's economic failures during its five-year term -- a drop in GDP, more debt and an increase in living costs. But the USDP has "failed to rebrand itself", concluded watchdog International Crisis Group. Analyst Khin Zaw Win warned a "tacit" alliance between the military and NLD could even make the USDP redundant. "If this develops, the military will have no further use for the USDP," he said. "The party runs the risk of losing its main prop."

As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-casts-early-vote-in-poll-hit-by-covid-19-curbs-338842">Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs</a>

Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur'&nbsp;does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression.&nbsp;He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates.

Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest.

Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups.

The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election. Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur' does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression. He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates. Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest. Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups. The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.

UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote

Decision to exclude conflict-hit minority regions from the vote due in November 8 polls has filled minority groups with anger in Thailand. The decision has ostensibly been taken over security concerns. But it has now made people in these regions angry and filled them with despair. Nearly two million people will get disenfranchised

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to return to power. However, support for the party is decreasing in ethnic minority areas. Myanmar's election commission released a long list of constituencies last week. Voting will not take place in these constituencies.

A million people in Rakhine state and hundreds of thousands elsewhere will get disenfranchised.

"This is devastating," said Hla Maung Oo, an ethnic Rakhine and head of one of many camps for displaced people in his state. He was quoted by AFP.

"I'm depressed by the decision, because I knew who I was going to vote for from the beginning."

Tensions in Rakhine were high even before the move.

Rakhine state is witnessing civil war as Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military are engaged in a conflict that has killed and wounded hundreds and forced 200,000 people out of their homes. AA enjoys widespread support from people who have long felt marginalised by the majority Bamar.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-wont-allow-insurgents-to-use-territory-against-india-ambassador-337416">Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use territory against India: Ambassador</a>

Trapped by fighting and swept up in the resulting disenfranchisement are a number of other ethnic minorities, including the Mro, Khami and Daingnet.

"We're in the middle of two groups and we're afraid of both," said Sein Hla Tun, an ethnic Mro from Kyauktaw township.

"We just want a political solution to this, instead of fighting."

Enduring hopelessness

One community in Rakhine state was notably unaffected by this latest decision, but only because they were already disenfranchised.

Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims have had their citizenship and rights stripped away over decades.

A brutal military crackdown in 2017 forced 750,000 to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh -- violence that now sees Myanmar face genocide charges at the UN's top court.

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&nbsp;

But 600,000 more Rohingya still live in Myanmar, mostly in Rakhine state, living under what rights groups have described as a system of apartheid.

"We had no hope before, and we still have no hope," Saw Aung, a Rohingya from Minbya township, told AFP by phone.

"Even if the elections were held, our situation would not improve."

Pointing fingers

In total nearly two million people of voting age will now be unable to cast a ballot -- about five percent of the electorate.

Other states across the country -- notably in Shan, Kachin and Karen -- have also been left reeling by the announcement.

Kachin State People's Party MP Dwe Bu accused the government of letting down ethnic minorities.

"We believed the NLD government would strive for democracy and work for the public," she said. 
"But now, I feel they're even worse."

The impartiality of the election commission -- a body wholly appointed by the government -- has been brought squarely into question.

Observers say the latest disenfranchisement was largely in ethnic minority strongholds, likely tilting those areas' votes in favour of Suu Kyi's NLD and raising fears of more conflict and political violence.

The commission is "blatantly denying minorities representation", said Kyaw Win of Burma Human Rights Network, calling for a reversal of the decision.

(With AFP inputs)

Decision to exclude conflict-hit minority regions from the vote due in November 8 polls has filled minority groups with anger in Thailand. The decision has ostensibly been taken over security concerns.

Decision to exclude conflict-hit minority regions from the vote due in November 8 polls has filled minority groups with anger in Thailand. The decision has ostensibly been taken over security concerns. But it has now made people in these regions angry and filled them with despair. Nearly two million people will get disenfranchised Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to return to power. However, support for the party is decreasing in ethnic minority areas. Myanmar's election commission released a long list of constituencies last week. Voting will not take place in these constituencies. A million people in Rakhine state and hundreds of thousands elsewhere will get disenfranchised. "This is devastating," said Hla Maung Oo, an ethnic Rakhine and head of one of many camps for displaced people in his state. He was quoted by AFP. "I'm depressed by the decision, because I knew who I was going to vote for from the beginning." Tensions in Rakhine were high even before the move. Rakhine state is witnessing civil war as Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military are engaged in a conflict that has killed and wounded hundreds and forced 200,000 people out of their homes. AA enjoys widespread support from people who have long felt marginalised by the majority Bamar. Also Read | Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use territory against India: Ambassador Trapped by fighting and swept up in the resulting disenfranchisement are a number of other ethnic minorities, including the Mro, Khami and Daingnet. "We're in the middle of two groups and we're afraid of both," said Sein Hla Tun, an ethnic Mro from Kyauktaw township. "We just want a political solution to this, instead of fighting." Enduring hopelessness One community in Rakhine state was notably unaffected by this latest decision, but only because they were already disenfranchised. Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims have had their citizenship and rights stripped away over decades. A brutal military crackdown in 2017 forced 750,000 to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh -- violence that now sees Myanmar face genocide charges at the UN's top court. × But 600,000 more Rohingya still live in Myanmar, mostly in Rakhine state, living under what rights groups have described as a system of apartheid. "We had no hope before, and we still have no hope," Saw Aung, a Rohingya from Minbya township, told AFP by phone. "Even if the elections were held, our situation would not improve." Pointing fingers In total nearly two million people of voting age will now be unable to cast a ballot -- about five percent of the electorate. Other states across the country -- notably in Shan, Kachin and Karen -- have also been left reeling by the announcement. Kachin State People's Party MP Dwe Bu accused the government of letting down ethnic minorities. "We believed the NLD government would strive for democracy and work for the public," she said. "But now, I feel they're even worse." The impartiality of the election commission -- a body wholly appointed by the government -- has been brought squarely into question. Observers say the latest disenfranchisement was largely in ethnic minority strongholds, likely tilting those areas' votes in favour of Suu Kyi's NLD and raising fears of more conflict and political violence. The commission is "blatantly denying minorities representation", said Kyaw Win of Burma Human Rights Network, calling for a reversal of the decision. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar vote ban fills ethnic minorities with anger and despair

A rebel group in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three candidates of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s governing party, demanding the release of detained student protesters in return for letting them go. Watch report.

3 candidates of Suu Kyi's party abducted: Arakan army claims responsibility

The Indian delegation will visit Myanmar on October 4 for a two-day visit. Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla will be a part of this delegation that will call on the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The delegation will aim at strengthening ties with Myanmar.

India Myanmar ties: Indian delegation in Myanmar aims at strengthening ties

Myanmar is set to hold its most crucial election in November. Aung San Suu Kyi's former ally Thet Thet Khine has emerged as a key challenger. Meanwhile, the Rohingya community in the country remains disenfranchised.

Gravitas: Meet the lady challenging Aung San Suu Kyi's rule

European Parliament has decided to firmly suspend Sakharov laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from its prize community. Myanmar civilian leader was was awarded the award by the EU Assembly in the year 1990.

Aung San Suu Kyi removed from Sakharov prize community

Myanmar is in election mode and&nbsp;campaigning has begun. Political rallies are being held and with the election season underway there is also a&nbsp;controversy.

The controversy involves the Myanmar army. The army holds considerable power over the political establishment in the country and&nbsp;has often been accused of human rights violations.

A new report shows how the&nbsp;army is running a global business empire to finance its atrocities.

The report is part of an investigation by Amnesty International. It is based on leaked government documents.&nbsp;The documents which apparently exposes how international companies have been indirectly financing the Myanmar army.

Many of the military units that have been&nbsp;receiving funds are involved in human rights violations.&nbsp;The report claims that military generals have been receiving huge revenues from shares in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL).

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It is a secret conglomerate run by the military&nbsp;with several local and foreign businesses as partners.&nbsp;The board of this conglomerate is composed of high-level military figures.&nbsp;It is headed by the military chief Min Aan Laing himself.

According to the report, MEHL establishes joint ventures with business partners across Myanmar. This includes business activities like mining, manufacturing and trade.

The profits go to MEHL. The dividends go to shareholders.

Who are the shareholders?

<ul>
	<li>Kirin Holdings, a Japanese beverage company.</li>
	<li>Inno Group, a South Korean property developer</li>
	<li>Pan-Pacific, a South Korean property developer</li>
	<li>RMH Singapore, a private company involved in tobacco operations</li>
	<li>Wanbao, a Chinese metal mining company.</li>
</ul>

All these companies are business partners of the Myanmar Army. Their operations generate substantial revenue. The profit is distributed among regional commands, army divisions, battalions, troops and war veteran associations.

The report says that between 1990 and 2001 more than $18 billion were given to shareholders. Out of this some $16 billion were taken by military units alone.

What do they do with this kind of money?&nbsp;Cover their operational costs and fund atrocities. At least 95 of these military units fall under the western command of the Myanmar army, the one involved in operations in the Rakhine state.

33rd and 99th Light Infantry divisions of the Myanmar army are also listed as the shareholders.

These divisions have been involved in several crimes against the Rohingyas and other ethnic groups. They have been accused of large scale massacre of men, women and children.

So the bottom line is this: the business syndicate led by the Myanmar army is funding crimes against humanity. The companies involved are not doing anything to prevent or mitigate these crimes.&nbsp;The report says they are aware but they are not willing to disengage. 
&nbsp; 
The military in Myanmar has a finger in every pie and that includes the government. The military has the power to veto major political decisions. It controls a quarter of seats in the parliament plus, it has a State Counsellor willing to go to any lengths to defend the army

She is a Nobel peace laureate. She is defending the same army that kept her under house arrest for years.&nbsp;She is also tipped to win the upcoming election.&nbsp;So the syndicate runs, the army makes money, the crimes continue and the Myanmar government stays silent.

Myanmar is in election mode and campaigning has begun. Political rallies are being held and with the election season underway there is also a controversy. The controversy involves the Myanmar army.

Myanmar is in election mode and campaigning has begun. Political rallies are being held and with the election season underway there is also a controversy. The controversy involves the Myanmar army. The army holds considerable power over the political establishment in the country and has often been accused of human rights violations. A new report shows how the army is running a global business empire to finance its atrocities. The report is part of an investigation by Amnesty International. It is based on leaked government documents. The documents which apparently exposes how international companies have been indirectly financing the Myanmar army. Many of the military units that have been receiving funds are involved in human rights violations. The report claims that military generals have been receiving huge revenues from shares in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). × It is a secret conglomerate run by the military with several local and foreign businesses as partners. The board of this conglomerate is composed of high-level military figures. It is headed by the military chief Min Aan Laing himself. According to the report, MEHL establishes joint ventures with business partners across Myanmar. This includes business activities like mining, manufacturing and trade. The profits go to MEHL. The dividends go to shareholders. Who are the shareholders? Kirin Holdings, a Japanese beverage company. Inno Group, a South Korean property developer Pan-Pacific, a South Korean property developer RMH Singapore, a private company involved in tobacco operations Wanbao, a Chinese metal mining company. All these companies are business partners of the Myanmar Army. Their operations generate substantial revenue. The profit is distributed among regional commands, army divisions, battalions, troops and war veteran associations. The report says that between 1990 and 2001 more than $18 billion were given to shareholders. Out of this some $16 billion were taken by military units alone. What do they do with this kind of money? Cover their operational costs and fund atrocities. At least 95 of these military units fall under the western command of the Myanmar army, the one involved in operations in the Rakhine state. 33rd and 99th Light Infantry divisions of the Myanmar army are also listed as the shareholders. These divisions have been involved in several crimes against the Rohingyas and other ethnic groups. They have been accused of large scale massacre of men, women and children. So the bottom line is this: the business syndicate led by the Myanmar army is funding crimes against humanity. The companies involved are not doing anything to prevent or mitigate these crimes. The report says they are aware but they are not willing to disengage. The military in Myanmar has a finger in every pie and that includes the government. The military has the power to veto major political decisions. It controls a quarter of seats in the parliament plus, it has a State Counsellor willing to go to any lengths to defend the army She is a Nobel peace laureate. She is defending the same army that kept her under house arrest for years. She is also tipped to win the upcoming election. So the syndicate runs, the army makes money, the crimes continue and the Myanmar government stays silent.

How Myanmar army runs a global business empire to finance atrocities

The European Parliament has removed Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from the "Sakharov Prize community"

Your Story: EP removes Aung San Suu Kyi from Sakharov Prize community

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised her party's flag at its office in the capital Tuesday to start an election campaign that may be disrupted by a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Her National League for Democracy party is widely expected to again win the most seats in the November 8 general election and Suu Kyi is expected to remain as state counsellor, the de facto head of state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-sets-november-8-as-the-date-for-parliamentary-election-309998">Myanmar sets November 8 as the date for parliamentary election</a>

The main opponents will be the Union Solidarity and Development Party, formed by former generals. Myanmar was under military rule from 1962 until a nominally civilian government took over in 2011.

Suu Kyi is by far the country's most popular politician, even as she has been scorned internationally for Myanmar's oppression of the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/election-countdown-starts-in-myanmar-under-virus-shadow-325966" hreflang="en">Election countdown starts in Myanmar under virus shadow</a>

Her party,&nbsp;the National League for Democracy, which won a landslide at 2015 polls that ended half-a-century of military and military-backed rule, is expected to win again though by a lesser margin.

The party remains overwhelmingly popular despite criticism over its failure to curb the power of the army or end escalating ethnic conflicts. It has also faced international condemnation over a 2017 military crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Two&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;soldiers have been taken to The Hague after confessing to murdering minority Rohingya Muslims during a 2017 crackdown, two news organisations and a rights group reported on Tuesday.

The constitution was written by the former Junta.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Armed Forces control three key ministries and 25 percent of parliamentary seats, effectively giving them a veto on legislation.

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Therefore,&nbsp;Suu Kyi and her&nbsp;party needs every vote.&nbsp;They cannot just get more than 50 percent of the elected seats like in a normal democracy.

For now, getting people to vote might be a challenge.&nbsp;Cases have spiked suddenly after Myanmar registered months of relatively low numbers. The health ministry reported 92 more cases on Tuesday morning, bringing the total to 1,610.

The western state of Rakhine, where the vast majority of the new cases have been found, is under lockdown, as are parts of Yangon. Restrictions are in force in several other cities, including the capital, Naypyitaw.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised her party's flag at its office in the capital Tuesday to start an election campaign that may be disrupted by a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised her party's flag at its office in the capital Tuesday to start an election campaign that may be disrupted by a resurgence of the coronavirus. Her National League for Democracy party is widely expected to again win the most seats in the November 8 general election and Suu Kyi is expected to remain as state counsellor, the de facto head of state. Also read: Myanmar sets November 8 as the date for parliamentary election The main opponents will be the Union Solidarity and Development Party, formed by former generals. Myanmar was under military rule from 1962 until a nominally civilian government took over in 2011. Suu Kyi is by far the country's most popular politician, even as she has been scorned internationally for Myanmar's oppression of the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group. Also read: Election countdown starts in Myanmar under virus shadow Her party, the National League for Democracy, which won a landslide at 2015 polls that ended half-a-century of military and military-backed rule, is expected to win again though by a lesser margin. The party remains overwhelmingly popular despite criticism over its failure to curb the power of the army or end escalating ethnic conflicts. It has also faced international condemnation over a 2017 military crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority. Two Myanmar soldiers have been taken to The Hague after confessing to murdering minority Rohingya Muslims during a 2017 crackdown, two news organisations and a rights group reported on Tuesday. The constitution was written by the former Junta. The Armed Forces control three key ministries and 25 percent of parliamentary seats, effectively giving them a veto on legislation. × Therefore, Suu Kyi and her party needs every vote. They cannot just get more than 50 percent of the elected seats like in a normal democracy. For now, getting people to vote might be a challenge. Cases have spiked suddenly after Myanmar registered months of relatively low numbers. The health ministry reported 92 more cases on Tuesday morning, bringing the total to 1,610. The western state of Rakhine, where the vast majority of the new cases have been found, is under lockdown, as are parts of Yangon. Restrictions are in force in several other cities, including the capital, Naypyitaw.

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi vows victory in election as campaign starts amid virus surge

Myanmar has entered the election season. State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi has kicked off her election campaign. Can Suu Kyi make a comeback?

Gravitas: Aung San Suu Kyi launches election campaign

Myanmar on Wednesday announced November 8 as the date for a parliamentary election set to serve as a test of the country’s first democratic government in half a century.

A statement attributed to union election commission chairman Hla Thein and read out during an evening broadcast by Myanmar Radio and Television said a "multi-party general election for the parliament" would be held on November 8.

The polls are seen by analysts as an important test of Myanmar's transition away from direct military rule.

Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi won power in a landslide in 2015 that ended decades of junta rule. But her administration has come under pressure internationally over a military crackdown that drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh in 2017.

At home, while Suu Kyi remains overwhelmingly popular, her government has had to rebut criticism over escalating fighting with ethnic armed groups and slower-than-expected economic growth.

While the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is expected to do better than others in the election, analysts say its large majority could be dented.

Myanmar on Wednesday announced November 8 as the date for a parliamentary election set to serve as a test of the country’s first democratic government in half a century.

Myanmar on Wednesday announced November 8 as the date for a parliamentary election set to serve as a test of the country’s first democratic government in half a century. A statement attributed to union election commission chairman Hla Thein and read out during an evening broadcast by Myanmar Radio and Television said a "multi-party general election for the parliament" would be held on November 8. The polls are seen by analysts as an important test of Myanmar's transition away from direct military rule. Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi won power in a landslide in 2015 that ended decades of junta rule. But her administration has come under pressure internationally over a military crackdown that drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh in 2017. At home, while Suu Kyi remains overwhelmingly popular, her government has had to rebut criticism over escalating fighting with ethnic armed groups and slower-than-expected economic growth. While the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is expected to do better than others in the election, analysts say its large majority could be dented.

Myanmar sets November 8 as the date for parliamentary election

The internet shutdown in Myanmar's conflict-ridden northwest, described by rights groups as the world's longest, entered a second year Sunday with locals and campaigners appealing for an end to the blackout as coronavirus fears grip the region.

The Myanmar military has been embroiled in a bloody civil war since January 2019 against the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

Also read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghanistan-and-myanmar-drown-in-chinas-loans-afghanistan-rejects-loan-306145">Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan</a>

The government shut down mobile data in several townships across Rakhine state and neighbouring Chin state on June 21 last year, causing panic among residents desperate for information about the unrest.

Human Rights Watch had called on Friday for an immediate end to "the world's longest government-enforced internet shutdown".

"It's critical for civilians to get the information needed to stay safe" during a global pandemic, said HRW's Linda Lakhdhir.

The country has so far recorded 287 coronavirus cases including six deaths, but experts fear the low numbers are due to a lack of testing.

A government official said earlier this month the internet shutdown would continue until at least August 1 in eight townships.

Telecom companies said the government ordered the blackout to prevent "illegal activities".

The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of civilians and seen hundreds injured and scores killed, with both the military and the AA trading allegations of abuses.

Few in Myanmar have personal computers, with the majority relying on mobile phones to access the internet for communications and information -- making those under the blackout especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

Rights groups have also condemned the blocking of several local media websites and are urging telecom firms to push back against the government's orders.

Rakhine state is also home to the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group that faced a brutal crackdown by the military in 2017.

Some 750,000 fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in violence that has led to charges of genocide against Myanmar at the UN's top court.

The 600,000 Rohingya remaining in Rakhine live in what Amnesty International has branded "apartheid conditions", with little freedom of movement.&nbsp;

"We want to know more information regarding COVID-19, what's happening to the displaced people in Sittwe (Rakhine's capital) and what's happening in Bangladesh," Abdullah, a Rohingya resident from Mrauk U township, told AFP by phone.

They now struggle to contact relatives, send them money or even check the weather forecast, he added.

Schoolteacher Aung Win in Buthidaung township said he was unable to access lessons from the education department before the new academic year begins in July.&nbsp;

"We just want the internet back as soon as possible," he said. 
&nbsp;

The internet shutdown in Myanmar's conflict-ridden northwest, described by rights groups as the world's longest, entered a second year Sunday with locals and campaigners appealing for an end to the blackout as coronavirus fears grip the region.

The internet shutdown in Myanmar's conflict-ridden northwest, described by rights groups as the world's longest, entered a second year Sunday with locals and campaigners appealing for an end to the blackout as coronavirus fears grip the region. The Myanmar military has been embroiled in a bloody civil war since January 2019 against the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Also read | Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan The government shut down mobile data in several townships across Rakhine state and neighbouring Chin state on June 21 last year, causing panic among residents desperate for information about the unrest. Human Rights Watch had called on Friday for an immediate end to "the world's longest government-enforced internet shutdown". "It's critical for civilians to get the information needed to stay safe" during a global pandemic, said HRW's Linda Lakhdhir. The country has so far recorded 287 coronavirus cases including six deaths, but experts fear the low numbers are due to a lack of testing. A government official said earlier this month the internet shutdown would continue until at least August 1 in eight townships. Telecom companies said the government ordered the blackout to prevent "illegal activities". The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of civilians and seen hundreds injured and scores killed, with both the military and the AA trading allegations of abuses. Few in Myanmar have personal computers, with the majority relying on mobile phones to access the internet for communications and information -- making those under the blackout especially vulnerable to COVID-19. Rights groups have also condemned the blocking of several local media websites and are urging telecom firms to push back against the government's orders. Rakhine state is also home to the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group that faced a brutal crackdown by the military in 2017. Some 750,000 fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in violence that has led to charges of genocide against Myanmar at the UN's top court. The 600,000 Rohingya remaining in Rakhine live in what Amnesty International has branded "apartheid conditions", with little freedom of movement. "We want to know more information regarding COVID-19, what's happening to the displaced people in Sittwe (Rakhine's capital) and what's happening in Bangladesh," Abdullah, a Rohingya resident from Mrauk U township, told AFP by phone. They now struggle to contact relatives, send them money or even check the weather forecast, he added. Schoolteacher Aung Win in Buthidaung township said he was unable to access lessons from the education department before the new academic year begins in July. "We just want the internet back as soon as possible," he said.

Internet blackout in Myanmar's Rakhine enters second year

4 months after Aung San Suu Kyi defended Myanmar's Army Generals at the ICJ, a video of Army troops assaulting detainees is going viral. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Myanmar Army's abuse caught on tape

The generals of the Myanmar army, who were defended by the&nbsp;nobel laureate&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi, have&nbsp;conceded that its troops abused prisoners in the Rakhine state.

Suu Kyi, who is also the&nbsp;State Counsellor of Myanmar, had&nbsp;fought a case of genocide in support of the Myanmar army at the International Court of Justice last year in December.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-special-rapporteur-accuses-myanmars-army-of-fresh-abuses-295623">UN special rapporteur accuses Myanmar's army of fresh abuses</a>

However, the&nbsp;Myanmar army had denied all charges of state violence against insurgents at that time.

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In a&nbsp;shocking video that emerged this Sunday, the army is seen making a rare admission of its crimes.

The soldiers of the Myanmar military have been filmed assaulting and threating to kill suspected insurgents in the video that went viral.

The video shows five blindfolded men can be seen&nbsp;slumped on the floor of a boat&nbsp;with their hands tied to their backs

Military men have been captured&nbsp;mercilessly stamping on their chests and kicking their faces even though&nbsp;the suspects whimpered and pleaded that they were civilians.&nbsp;

The video was shared by thousands of people online, and&nbsp;has outraged even those who defend the Myanmar army.

Experts claimed that this video may have given a rare window into the operations of the Myanmar army which is routinely accused of abuses.

However, Myanmar has denied the allegations by claiming that&nbsp;the&nbsp;video was shot on April 27, in the Rakhine state's Ponnagyun township and the victims that are seen in the video had been arrested on the suspicion of belonging to the Arakan army, an insurgent group. 
&nbsp; 
According to Zaw Min Tun, a brigadier-general in the Myanmar army, a tribunal has been set up and the soldiers have been detained. 
&nbsp; 
Interestingly, thousands of such soldiers are still fighting insurgents across Myanmar and their tactics along with the identities of most of their enemies remains unknown 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The generals of the Myanmar army, who were defended by the nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, have conceded that its troops abused prisoners in the Rakhine state. Suu Kyi, who is also the State Counsellor of Myanmar, had fought a case of genocide in support of the Myanmar army at the International Court of Justice last year in December.

The generals of the Myanmar army, who were defended by the nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, have conceded that its troops abused prisoners in the Rakhine state. Suu Kyi, who is also the State Counsellor of Myanmar, had fought a case of genocide in support of the Myanmar army at the International Court of Justice last year in December. Also read: UN special rapporteur accuses Myanmar's army of fresh abuses However, the Myanmar army had denied all charges of state violence against insurgents at that time. In a shocking video that emerged this Sunday, the army is seen making a rare admission of its crimes. The soldiers of the Myanmar military have been filmed assaulting and threating to kill suspected insurgents in the video that went viral. The video shows five blindfolded men can be seen slumped on the floor of a boat with their hands tied to their backs Military men have been captured mercilessly stamping on their chests and kicking their faces even though the suspects whimpered and pleaded that they were civilians. The video was shared by thousands of people online, and has outraged even those who defend the Myanmar army. Experts claimed that this video may have given a rare window into the operations of the Myanmar army which is routinely accused of abuses. However, Myanmar has denied the allegations by claiming that the video was shot on April 27, in the Rakhine state's Ponnagyun township and the victims that are seen in the video had been arrested on the suspicion of belonging to the Arakan army, an insurgent group. According to Zaw Min Tun, a brigadier-general in the Myanmar army, a tribunal has been set up and the soldiers have been detained. Interestingly, thousands of such soldiers are still fighting insurgents across Myanmar and their tactics along with the identities of most of their enemies remains unknown

Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state

Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi claimed on Monday that the country has zero coronavirus cases despite 1,400-mile porous border with China. In China, more than 80,800 people have been infected.

Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi claimed on Monday that the country has zero coronavirus cases despite 1,400-mile porous border with China. In China, more than 80,800 people have been infected. “Until now, no one in our country is infected with Covid-19,” said the country’s civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in a televised address on Monday. To the country’s west, 137 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in India and five in Bangladesh. Myanmar’s southern neighbour, Thailand, has reported 114 cases. A spokesperson for Myanmar’s government has claimed that people’s “lifestyle and diet” protected them from the disease – stoking concerns the country is downplaying the impact of the respiratory illness. Zaw Htay, a government spokesperson, also said the common use of cash instead of credit cards, helped curb the spread of the illness. There is no evidence to show that diet or banknotes can stop the spread of coronavirus. “Such irresponsible statements clash with everything known about the coronavirus outbreak, defy reality, and only serve to give a false sense of security to the country’s people about the disease and their risks of infection,” said Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia division at Human Rights Watch, in a blog post. Ten patients in Myanmar are currently in quarantine awaiting test results, according to the government. Globally, there are more than 161,500 confirmed coronavirus cases in 150 countries or territories. The World Health Organization said the global threat from the respiratory illness is high.

Aung San Suu Kyi claims Myanmar has zero coronavirus cases despite 1,400-mile porous border with China

Myanmar army has blocked Aung San Suu Kyi's bid to reduce the influence of the military in politics. This report tells you more.

Gravitas: Army blocks bid to reduce military power, Myanmar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../facebook-to-help-in-fight-against-polio- pakistan-274718">Facebook&nbsp;Inc</a> on Saturday blamed a&nbsp;technical&nbsp;error&nbsp;for&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;leader Xi Jinping’s&nbsp;name&nbsp;appearing as “Mr Shithole” in posts on its platform when translated into English from Burmese, apologising for any offence&nbsp;caused.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-sued-in-us-federal-court-for-alleged-anti-competitive-conduct-274773">Facebook sued in US federal court for alleged anti competitive conduct</a>

The&nbsp;error&nbsp;came to light on the second day of a visit by the president to the Southeast Asian country, where Xi and state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi signed dozens of agreements covering massive Beijing-backed infrastructure plans.

A statement about the visit published on Suu Kyi’s official&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;page was littered with references to “Mr Shithole” when translated to English, while a headline in local news journal the Irrawaddy appeared as “Dinner honours president shithole”.

It was not clear how long the issue lasted but Google’s&nbsp;translation&nbsp;function did not show the same&nbsp;error.

<h6><img alt="Xi Jinping Name error" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1be5e237-daa1-45a6-88d7-bf861fcf254f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_18.jpg" /> 
 
Image: Facebook translation&nbsp;of Myanmar State Counsellor Office's Burmese post to English | Facebook</h6>

"We fixed a&nbsp;technical&nbsp;issue that&nbsp;caused&nbsp;incorrect&nbsp;translations from Burmese to English on&nbsp;Facebook. This should not have happened and we are taking steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. We sincerely apologize for the offence this has&nbsp;caused,"&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;said in a statement.

The&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;system did not have President Xi Jinping's&nbsp;name&nbsp;in its Burmese database and guessed at the&nbsp;translation, the company said.&nbsp;Translation&nbsp;tests of similar words that start with "xi" and "shi" in Burmese also produced "shithole", it added.

Facebook&nbsp;is blocked in mainland China. But it is not blocked in Hong Kong and mainland companies advertise elsewhere on the platform, making China&nbsp;Facebook’s biggest country for revenue after the United States. It is setting up a new engineering team to focus specifically on the lucrative&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;advertising business, Reuters reported last week.

Facebook&nbsp;has faced numerous problems with&nbsp;translation&nbsp;from Burmese in the past. In 2018 it temporarily removed the function after a Reuters report showed the tool was producing bizarre results.

An investigation documented how the company was failing in its efforts to combat vitriolic Burmese language posts about Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims, some 730,000 of whom fled a military crackdown in 2017 that the U.N has said was conducted with “genocidal intent”.

It also showed the&nbsp;translation&nbsp;feature was flawed, citing an anti-Rohingya post advocating killing Muslims that was translated into English as “I shouldn’t have a rainbow in Myanmar”.

Facebook Inc on Saturday blamed a technical error for Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s name appearing as “Mr Shithole” in posts on its platform when translated into English from Burmese, apologising for any offence caused.

Facebook Inc on Saturday blamed a technical error for Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s name appearing as “Mr Shithole” in posts on its platform when translated into English from Burmese, apologising for any offence caused. Also read: Facebook sued in US federal court for alleged anti competitive conduct The error came to light on the second day of a visit by the president to the Southeast Asian country, where Xi and state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi signed dozens of agreements covering massive Beijing-backed infrastructure plans. A statement about the visit published on Suu Kyi’s official Facebook page was littered with references to “Mr Shithole” when translated to English, while a headline in local news journal the Irrawaddy appeared as “Dinner honours president shithole”. It was not clear how long the issue lasted but Google’s translation function did not show the same error. Image: Facebook translation of Myanmar State Counsellor Office's Burmese post to English | Facebook "We fixed a technical issue that caused incorrect translations from Burmese to English on Facebook. This should not have happened and we are taking steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. We sincerely apologize for the offence this has caused," Facebook said in a statement. The Facebook system did not have President Xi Jinping's name in its Burmese database and guessed at the translation, the company said. Translation tests of similar words that start with "xi" and "shi" in Burmese also produced "shithole", it added. Facebook is blocked in mainland China. But it is not blocked in Hong Kong and mainland companies advertise elsewhere on the platform, making China Facebook’s biggest country for revenue after the United States. It is setting up a new engineering team to focus specifically on the lucrative Chinese advertising business, Reuters reported last week. Facebook has faced numerous problems with translation from Burmese in the past. In 2018 it temporarily removed the function after a Reuters report showed the tool was producing bizarre results. An investigation documented how the company was failing in its efforts to combat vitriolic Burmese language posts about Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims, some 730,000 of whom fled a military crackdown in 2017 that the U.N has said was conducted with “genocidal intent”. It also showed the translation feature was flawed, citing an anti-Rohingya post advocating killing Muslims that was translated into English as “I shouldn’t have a rainbow in Myanmar”.

Technical error caused vulgar translation of Xi Jinping's name: Facebook

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi officially held talks in Myanmar's capital New Pi Taw on Saturday. Emphasizing on the importance of fraternal friendship between the two countries, Xi said that both China and Myanmar have entered a new phase in national development, with bilateral relations facing new development opportunities.

Myanmar State Counselor & China's Jinping held official talks

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Technical error caused vulgar translation of Xi Jinping's name: Facebook

Myanmar State Counselor & China's Jinping held official talks