Myanmar election held under fear and heavy military control
On a dusty patch of land near the Irrawaddy River, retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw addresses a small crowd with promises of better days ahead. Standing as a candidate of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the military-backed party, he is contesting a seat in Aungmyaythazan, a constituency in Mandalay. Around 300 to 400 people attend the rally, many wearing party-branded hats and holding flags handed out by organisers. As the afternoon heat intensifies, attention fades. Some people drift off, while children weave between rows of plastic chairs. Several families present are still struggling after the powerful earthquake that struck Mandalay and surrounding areas in March, and many appear more hopeful of receiving aid than inspired by campaign speeches. Once the event ends, the crowd quickly disperses. Myanmar is preparing to hold its first election since the military seized power […]
