The large turnout on November 8 powerfully demonstrated society’s commitment to democracy, but this should not overshadow deep flaws in the electoral process that threaten to undermine future progress.
BY Frontier
Volume 6, Issue 14
Frontier speaks to party insiders and pundits to explain how the NLD – against most predictions – bettered its 2015 win.
Trust in Aung San Suu Kyi, a tight social media strategy and help from business leaders were among the factors behind the National League for Democracy’s landslide election win.
Poor planning and communication from sub-commissions and a byzantine election bureaucracy left hundreds of quarantined and COVID-19-infected voters in Yangon Region unable to cast their ballots.
BY Frontier
Former Tatmadaw vice admiral U Soe Thane can take much of the credit for the USDP’s sweep of seats in the Kayah State township of Bawlakhe – one of the military-aligned party’s few wins on November 8.
As the nation voted on November 8, the residents of Rakhine’s Mrauk-U Township had to watch from the side-lines, and many fear a lack of political representation will worsen conflict in the state.
After a tense race, the USDP is refusing to accept the loss of its Mandalay Region stronghold of Pyawbwe Township, which some have attributed to a demise in Buddhist nationalism.
BY Swe Lei Mon
USDP candidates and supporters spread conspiracy theories about the ruling party colluding with Muslims against Buddhism, which may have encouraged violence against NLD members.
The NLD has taken enough seats from the USDP to potentially work with ethnic parties and control the Shan State parliament, following a vote marred by complaints of foul play and the killing of an MP-elect.
BY Hein Thar
Polling stations in Hlaing Tharyar and other factory suburbs were in uproar as some voters found they weren’t registered and couldn’t vote, though voter lists seem to have improved from 2015.
Frontier’s photography team reflect on election day, from the trepidation of entering a large crowd and getting yelled at by polling staff, to the bittersweet experience of an image going viral without any credit.
BY Frontier
The support of a relatively homogenous ethnic group, community-wide mobilisation and clear messaging were among the reasons for the MUP’s impressive election debut.
The popularity of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Kyi was certainly a factor in the NLD’s resounding election success, but so too was fighting corruption, progress in economic development and an ill-advised intervention by the Tatmadaw chief.
The Union Election Commission’s disturbing behaviour towards journalists stirs memories of military rule, when it was dangerous to question those in authority.
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