Updated Timeline: Tracing Military’s Interference in Myanmar Election
Myanmar army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attends a commemoration of 73rd Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Navy) Day at Thilawa Port in Yangon on Dec. 24, 2020. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy
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By San Yamin Aung 20 January 2021
YANGON Even before Myanmar’s voters went to the polls in November’s general election, the country’s powerful military began flexing its political muscles, criticizing the government for the electoral body’s handling of preparations for the polls and raising doubts over whether the election was free and fair.
Its threats and warnings in the run-up to the election even prompted concerns over the possible threat of a coup. At that time, many were relieved after the military chief’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing vowed to respect the people’s will on election day.