Myanmar's military-backed opposition said on Tuesday there had been "many contentious events" during a parliamentary election two days ago which the ruling party says it won by a landslide, but offered no immediate evidence of violations.

Than Htay, leader of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), said in a video on the party's official Facebook page that it was pursuing legal options and urged viewers to send in evidence of "illegal acts".

"There were many contentious events during the whole voting process, whether in line with the law or not, and more facts are coming out," he said, without specifying.

"We will continue to work according to the law to receive the result our supporters want."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyis-ruling-party-claims-resounding-election-win-in-myanmar-342001" hreflang="en">Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party claims resounding election win in Myanmar</a>

Sunday's election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), which remains very popular at home but has seen its overseas reputation battered by accusations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, which it denies.

The NLD has said it won more than the 322 seats in parliament needed to form a government based on data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations nationwide.

The election commission is yet to announce a final tally, but the several dozen seats it has announced so far put the NLD comfortably ahead.

The commission, which is appointed by the president, was criticized in the run-up to the vote over alleged errors in voter lists, censorship of broadcasts by opposition parties, and the cancellation of voting in areas affected by insurgencies.

A commission spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment.

The NLD said it was ready to cooperate if any reliable evidence of violations was provided.

"We are also ready to resolve it according to the law," party spokesman Myo Nyunt said by phone.

International and local observers have said the election went smoothly without major irregularities.

The U.S-based Carter Center said on Tuesday entry for observers was restricted in three centres where votes were being tabulated but that voting was conducted positively in 94% of stations visited.

Candidates can file objections within 45 days of the results to tribunals appointed by the election commission, but cannot appeal the judgments at an independent court.

Myanmar's military-backed opposition said on Tuesday there had been "many contentious events" during a parliamentary election two days ago which the ruling party says it won by a landslide, but offered no immediate evidence of violations.

Myanmar's military-backed opposition said on Tuesday there had been "many contentious events" during a parliamentary election two days ago which the ruling party says it won by a landslide, but offered no immediate evidence of violations. Than Htay, leader of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), said in a video on the party's official Facebook page that it was pursuing legal options and urged viewers to send in evidence of "illegal acts". "There were many contentious events during the whole voting process, whether in line with the law or not, and more facts are coming out," he said, without specifying. "We will continue to work according to the law to receive the result our supporters want." Also read: Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party claims resounding election win in Myanmar Sunday's election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), which remains very popular at home but has seen its overseas reputation battered by accusations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, which it denies. The NLD has said it won more than the 322 seats in parliament needed to form a government based on data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations nationwide. The election commission is yet to announce a final tally, but the several dozen seats it has announced so far put the NLD comfortably ahead. The commission, which is appointed by the president, was criticized in the run-up to the vote over alleged errors in voter lists, censorship of broadcasts by opposition parties, and the cancellation of voting in areas affected by insurgencies. A commission spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. The NLD said it was ready to cooperate if any reliable evidence of violations was provided. "We are also ready to resolve it according to the law," party spokesman Myo Nyunt said by phone. International and local observers have said the election went smoothly without major irregularities. The U.S-based Carter Center said on Tuesday entry for observers was restricted in three centres where votes were being tabulated but that voting was conducted positively in 94% of stations visited. Candidates can file objections within 45 days of the results to tribunals appointed by the election commission, but cannot appeal the judgments at an independent court.

Myanmar’s army-backed party alleges 'contentious events' during election

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country.

A total of 42,047 polling stations, which are being operated in consistent with health precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, opened at 6 am local time, Xinhua news agency reported.

Some 5,639 candidates, including candidates from 87 political parties and 260 independent runners, are competing for 1,117 parliamentary seats in the elections, according to the Union Election Commission.

Of them, 1,565 candidates are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House), 779 candidates for the House of Nationalities (Upper House), 3,112 for regional or state parliaments and 183 for ethnic minority seats.

In the elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party fielded 1,106 candidates, while the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) had 1,089 to run for the parliamentary seats.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyis-party-expected-to-win-second-term-in-myanmar-polls-despite-accusations-of-genocide-341387" hreflang="en">Aung San Suu Kyi's party expected to win second term in Myanmar polls despite accusations of genocide</a>

President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House) and Vice President Henry Van Thio is representing Chin state`s constituency for a seat in the House of Nationalities (Upper House).

U Than Htay, the chairman of USDP, is running for a seat in the House of Representatives (Lower House).

The Union Election Commission called off polls in 15 townships and 665 village tracts of Bago region, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Chin states, citing that the areas do not meet a condition to hold free and fair elections.

Due to the cancellation of elections in the areas, the number of constituencies in the elections were reduced from 1,171 to 1,117, while the number of registered election candidates were also decreased from 6,969 to 5,639.

A total of 8,858 observers from home and abroad are registered to monitor the elections.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-suu-kyi-denies-genocide-opponents-up-anti-rohingya-rhetoric-340814" hreflang="en">As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric</a>

The polling stations are arranged complying with preventive measures to mitigate transmission of the coronavirus.

Under the new normal, there will be no election center set up to announce the results and the election results will begin to be released since Monday via state-run media, official websites and online platforms.

Counting of ballots will be done shortly in the presence of contesting candidates and observers after the polling stations close at 4 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Myanmar received about 75,000 advance votes by its citizens living abroad when the overseas advance voting closed on October 26 while the number of local early votes reached about 3 million as of November 3.

A 60-day election campaign which began in early September concluded late Friday, two days ahead of the elections.

The 2020 general elections are the third election under the country`s 2008 Constitution.

The general elections, held every five years, will choose representatives to the next term of the parliament which will further elect president and two vice presidents and form a new term of government.

According to the 2008 Constitution, besides the elected representatives, the military possesses 25 per cent of non-elected parliamentary seats at each level of the legislative body, directly nominated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services.

The ruling NLD party won an absolute majority of parliamentary seats in the last general elections on November 8, 2015, and has been running the government since 2016.

The five-year term of the incumbent NLD government will end in March 2021.

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country. A total of 42,047 polling stations, which are being operated in consistent with health precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, opened at 6 am local time, Xinhua news agency reported.

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country. A total of 42,047 polling stations, which are being operated in consistent with health precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, opened at 6 am local time, Xinhua news agency reported. Some 5,639 candidates, including candidates from 87 political parties and 260 independent runners, are competing for 1,117 parliamentary seats in the elections, according to the Union Election Commission. Of them, 1,565 candidates are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House), 779 candidates for the House of Nationalities (Upper House), 3,112 for regional or state parliaments and 183 for ethnic minority seats. In the elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party fielded 1,106 candidates, while the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) had 1,089 to run for the parliamentary seats. Also read| Aung San Suu Kyi's party expected to win second term in Myanmar polls despite accusations of genocide President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House) and Vice President Henry Van Thio is representing Chin state`s constituency for a seat in the House of Nationalities (Upper House). U Than Htay, the chairman of USDP, is running for a seat in the House of Representatives (Lower House). The Union Election Commission called off polls in 15 townships and 665 village tracts of Bago region, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Chin states, citing that the areas do not meet a condition to hold free and fair elections. Due to the cancellation of elections in the areas, the number of constituencies in the elections were reduced from 1,171 to 1,117, while the number of registered election candidates were also decreased from 6,969 to 5,639. A total of 8,858 observers from home and abroad are registered to monitor the elections. Also read| As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric The polling stations are arranged complying with preventive measures to mitigate transmission of the coronavirus. Under the new normal, there will be no election center set up to announce the results and the election results will begin to be released since Monday via state-run media, official websites and online platforms. Counting of ballots will be done shortly in the presence of contesting candidates and observers after the polling stations close at 4 p.m. local time on Sunday. Myanmar received about 75,000 advance votes by its citizens living abroad when the overseas advance voting closed on October 26 while the number of local early votes reached about 3 million as of November 3. A 60-day election campaign which began in early September concluded late Friday, two days ahead of the elections. The 2020 general elections are the third election under the country`s 2008 Constitution. The general elections, held every five years, will choose representatives to the next term of the parliament which will further elect president and two vice presidents and form a new term of government. According to the 2008 Constitution, besides the elected representatives, the military possesses 25 per cent of non-elected parliamentary seats at each level of the legislative body, directly nominated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. The ruling NLD party won an absolute majority of parliamentary seats in the last general elections on November 8, 2015, and has been running the government since 2016. The five-year term of the incumbent NLD government will end in March 2021.

Voting begins in Myanmar's general elections

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed hope that weekend elections in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;would allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees "in safety and dignity."

In a statement from his office, he said he also hoped that the polls would help "advance inclusive sustainable development, humanitarian action, human rights and democratic reforms."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-suu-kyi-denies-genocide-opponents-up-anti-rohingya-rhetoric-340814" hreflang="en">As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric</a>

Guterres "renews his appeal for a ceasefire across the country to allow all to focus on combatting the Covid-19 pandemic," the statement said.

The UN chief "remains concerned about armed conflict in many areas of&nbsp;Myanmar, especially the intensifying clashes in Rakhine and Chin states," he said.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to be returned to power in the November 8 polls -- only the second election since the nation emerged from outright military rule.

The Rohingya crisis,&nbsp;where hundreds of thousands of people fled across the border into squalid refugee camps to escape military-backed violence,&nbsp;might have shattered Suu Kyi's reputation in the West, but she remains a hero for many at home.

Her defense of the nation against genocide charges at the UN's top court last December consolidated support, particularly among the dominant ethnic Bamar.

Virtually all the 600,000 Rohingya Muslims remaining in the country are stripped of citizenship and will not be able to vote.

Further mass cancellations of the election in swathes of ethnic minority areas -- ostensibly for security concerns -- mean a total of nearly two million are disenfranchised in a country with an electorate of some 37 million.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed hope that weekend elections in Myanmar would allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees "in safety and dignity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed hope that weekend elections in Myanmar would allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees "in safety and dignity." In a statement from his office, he said he also hoped that the polls would help "advance inclusive sustainable development, humanitarian action, human rights and democratic reforms." Also read: As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric Guterres "renews his appeal for a ceasefire across the country to allow all to focus on combatting the Covid-19 pandemic," the statement said. The UN chief "remains concerned about armed conflict in many areas of Myanmar, especially the intensifying clashes in Rakhine and Chin states," he said. Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to be returned to power in the November 8 polls -- only the second election since the nation emerged from outright military rule. The Rohingya crisis, where hundreds of thousands of people fled across the border into squalid refugee camps to escape military-backed violence, might have shattered Suu Kyi's reputation in the West, but she remains a hero for many at home. Her defense of the nation against genocide charges at the UN's top court last December consolidated support, particularly among the dominant ethnic Bamar. Virtually all the 600,000 Rohingya Muslims remaining in the country are stripped of citizenship and will not be able to vote. Further mass cancellations of the election in swathes of ethnic minority areas -- ostensibly for security concerns -- mean a total of nearly two million are disenfranchised in a country with an electorate of some 37 million.

UN chief hopes Myanmar election will allow refugees to return in 'dignity'

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

State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi remains the frontrunner, as Myanmar gears up for General Elections - its second since it emerged from decades of military rule.

Myanmar plans to push ahead with a November general election despite calls from opposition parties to postpone it because of a surge in novel coronavirus cases.

Analysts say the November 8 election is a test of the extent of Myanmar’s democratic reforms.

Parties halted campaigning in the commercial capital of Yangon on Monday after authorities imposed a citywide lockdown, forcing the majority of its five million residents to work from home in the toughest measure yet to combat the virus.

The last general election in 2015 brought to power the National League for Democracy party of Aung San Suu Kyi after more than five decades of military rule.

Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide victory, partly through tactical alliances with ethnic minority parties that were also eager to get rid of military rule.

Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner who won the Nobel Peace Prize for leading a nonviolent pro-democracy movement for more than two decades, remains by far the country’s most popular politician.

Challenging Suu Kyi is her former ally Lady Thet Thet Khine.

"The National League for Democracy (NLD) is no longer the solution for the country. And the way the party is run is very chaotic and it's very autocratic within the party." said Thet Thet Khine , Chairperson of People's Pioneer Party.

Rohingya politicians excluded from election

Rohingya politician Abdul Rasheed was born in Myanmar and is one of the very few from the Muslim minority to have Myanmar citizenship.

His father was a civil servant. But when the country goes to the polls in November, he will not be able to stand, because officials accuse him of having foreign roots. 
"We have all these documents that the government issued, and they don't accept the fact that my parents are citizens. I feel bad about that and feel concerned," he said.

The vast majority of the Rohingya are unlikely to be able to vote due to lack of citizenship, leaving little hope of victory for the very few Rohingya candidates who managed to get approval to stand in the election.

While voter lists have been posted across the country, none have appeared at the camps outside the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe, where about 100,000 Rohingya are confined, community elder Kyaw Hla Aung told Reuters by phone.

The Myanmar military still fights accusations of human rights abuses. The election in November may just be the most crucial &amp; controversial in Myanmar’s history.

(With inputs from agencies)

State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi remains the frontrunner, as Myanmar gears up for General Elections - its second since it emerged from decades of military rule.

State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi remains the frontrunner, as Myanmar gears up for General Elections - its second since it emerged from decades of military rule. Myanmar plans to push ahead with a November general election despite calls from opposition parties to postpone it because of a surge in novel coronavirus cases. Analysts say the November 8 election is a test of the extent of Myanmar’s democratic reforms. Parties halted campaigning in the commercial capital of Yangon on Monday after authorities imposed a citywide lockdown, forcing the majority of its five million residents to work from home in the toughest measure yet to combat the virus. The last general election in 2015 brought to power the National League for Democracy party of Aung San Suu Kyi after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide victory, partly through tactical alliances with ethnic minority parties that were also eager to get rid of military rule. Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner who won the Nobel Peace Prize for leading a nonviolent pro-democracy movement for more than two decades, remains by far the country’s most popular politician. Challenging Suu Kyi is her former ally Lady Thet Thet Khine. "The National League for Democracy (NLD) is no longer the solution for the country. And the way the party is run is very chaotic and it's very autocratic within the party." said Thet Thet Khine , Chairperson of People's Pioneer Party. Rohingya politicians excluded from election Rohingya politician Abdul Rasheed was born in Myanmar and is one of the very few from the Muslim minority to have Myanmar citizenship. His father was a civil servant. But when the country goes to the polls in November, he will not be able to stand, because officials accuse him of having foreign roots. "We have all these documents that the government issued, and they don't accept the fact that my parents are citizens. I feel bad about that and feel concerned," he said. The vast majority of the Rohingya are unlikely to be able to vote due to lack of citizenship, leaving little hope of victory for the very few Rohingya candidates who managed to get approval to stand in the election. While voter lists have been posted across the country, none have appeared at the camps outside the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe, where about 100,000 Rohingya are confined, community elder Kyaw Hla Aung told Reuters by phone. The Myanmar military still fights accusations of human rights abuses. The election in November may just be the most crucial & controversial in Myanmar’s history. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar elections going to be the most crucial and controversial in country’s history

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