The Latest in Myanmar

"Although the NLD-government has been criticized for its illiberal actions, the election in November 2020 appeared to represent widespread popular sentiment in favor of continued democratization in Myanmar. The military’s coup, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, comes after several months of legal challenges alleging fraud in the November elections. It indicates the military’s dissatisfaction with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and its continued attempts to minimize the military’s influence. Overall, the coup should be viewed as a setback for Myanmar’s already troubled democratic transition. 

The military is promising elections in a year, but my sense is that as in Thailand in 2014, the military will likely be reluctant to give up power again.”